This has been a relatively disappointing season for Liverpool, with criticism largely centering on the fact that the blockbuster contracts signed in the summer of 2025 have not met expectations.
However, in the context of Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez starting to show progress in recent weeks, the only rookie who made an impression right from the start of the season was the name that caused the most skepticism when arriving at Anfield.
Hugo Ekitike had an impressive season at Eintracht Frankfurt before joining Liverpool. However, his unsuccessful time at Paris Saint-Germain has made the French striker feel less certain than Wirtz or the duo Milos Kerkez and Alexander Isak. These are players who are said to have proven their ability in the Premier League.
Contrary to initial skepticism, Ekitike is one of Liverpool's best players this season. That was clearly shown when he scored both goals in the reigning Premier League champions' 2-0 win over Brighton at Anfield.
This was the second consecutive domestic match in which Ekitike scored a double to help Liverpool take an early 2-0 lead. Unlike the chaotic 3-3 draw against Leeds United a week before, this time coach Arne Slot's students took full advantage to win.
The 23-year-old striker has now reached double-digit goals for Liverpool in all competitions, and has 7 goals after the first 10 Premier League starts - an achievement equal to Mohamed Salah. In the club's history, only Daniel Sturridge (8 goals) has scored more goals than Ekitike in his first 10 league games.
On average, Ekitike scored 0.72 goals, not including penalties, per 90 minutes in the Premier League. Of the players who have played at least 500 minutes this season, only Erling Haaland (1.05) has had a better performance. This statistic is even more impressive considering the fact that Ekitike often has to rotate the squad and is playing for a Liverpool side that has been inconsistent for most of the season.
It sounds paradous to say about a £70m initial signing, which could be increased to £80m with add-ons, but Ekitike was almost overshadowed in the summer transfer window when Liverpool spent up to £125m on Isak. Not having to bear too much media pressure and expectations may have helped the former Frankfurt striker adapt better at Anfield.
In July, the similarities between Ekitike and Isak were mentioned, at least in terms of Bundesliga and Premier League indicators. However, the start of these two players at Liverpool is completely opposite. Ekitike has scored 10 goals in 23 appearances (16 starts), while Isak has only scored 2 goals in 15 appearances (10 starts).
However, this comparison is not completely fair. Ekitike joined Liverpool in a positive atmosphere, without a long negotiation process, and at the same time, participated in most of the pre-season with the team.
In contrast, Isak has barely had time to prepare and has only really integrated after his first national team training session in September.
Isak is likely to soon regain his familiar scoring form. However, after a minor injury in the win over Inter Milan, he was benched against Brighton. Meanwhile, Ekitike started and continued to prove his scoring talent.
The impact of Ekitike is clearly shown through the numbers. Liverpool have won 7 of the 10 Premier League games he has started this season (1 draw, 2 losses), but have won only 1 of the 6 matches he has not started (1 draw, 4 losses). On average, Liverpool scored 2 goals per match when Ekitike started, compared to only 1 goal per match when he was absent from the starting lineup.
