Eddie Howe praises ‘very, very good’ Liverpool star ahead of Newcastle United clash | OneFootball

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike earns Eddie Howe admiration ahead of Newcastle clash

Liverpool have endured a turbulent 2025-26 campaign under Arne Slot, yet amid the bumps and bruises of a long season there has been one constant source of optimism, Hugo Ekitike. The French forward, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69m last summer, has already delivered 13 goals and four assists, numbers that underline why Liverpool were so determined to land him.

There was, of course, serious competition for his signature. Newcastle United were long term admirers, viewing Ekitike as a potential successor to Alexander Isak. In the end both players found their way to Anfield, a twist that has only sharpened interest ahead of Saturday’s meeting between Liverpool and Eddie Howe’s side.

Eddie Howe praise highlights Liverpool recruitment success

Howe has never hidden his admiration for the 23-year-old, and his comments ahead of the trip to Merseyside were as revealing as they were complimentary.

“He is a very, very good player. I think it is well known I have liked him for a number of years, I tried to sign him twice.

“He has got a bit of everything. He has great movement, can score with both feet, he’s good in the air and dribbles with the ball really well. He is a big talent.”

X: @LFC

Those words do more than simply flatter Ekitike, they also reinforce how astute Liverpool’s recruitment has been. Turning down a move to Newcastle to join Slot’s project at Anfield was a decisive moment in the striker’s career, and one that already looks inspired. While Liverpool have struggled for consistency this season, Ekitike’s sharpness in front of goal has kept them competitive in tight games, including crucial 2-1 and 3-2 victories where his contribution proved decisive.

Hugo Ekitike impact under Arne Slot

Slot, who famously led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season in 2024-25, has had to juggle expectations with the reality of a demanding rebuild. In that context, Ekitike has emerged as a forward perfectly suited to the Dutchman’s ideas. His movement between the lines stretches defences, his ability to drift wide creates space for midfield runners, and his aerial presence adds another dimension to Liverpool’s attack.

For supporters, he has quickly become a fan favourite, not only for the goals but for the energy and intelligence he brings to the press. Even when Liverpool have been second best in midfield, Ekitike’s work rate has helped set the tone, a quality that Slot values highly as he looks to re establish dominance in the Premier League.

Newcastle rivalry adds edge to Liverpool meeting

The subplot involving Eddie Howe and Newcastle gives this fixture an extra layer of intrigue. Howe’s long standing interest in Ekitike speaks volumes about the player’s reputation within English football, and seeing him thrive in a Liverpool shirt can only sting a little for those who missed out.

For Liverpool, it is another reminder that even in a season of mixed results, there are foundations to build on. Ekitike represents the kind of forward who can lead the line for years to come, and with Slot continuing to shape his squad, the Frenchman looks set to remain central to Liverpool’s ambitions.

As Saturday approaches, all eyes will be on Anfield, not only to see how the game unfolds but to watch a striker who continues to justify every word of praise that Eddie Howe has offered.