Former Man United star claims Liverpool player is ‘one of the best in the world’ | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike Emerges as Key Figure for Liverpool Under Arne Slot

Liverpool’s 5-2 victory over West Ham United offered fluency, control and five well taken goals. Yet the conversation afterwards focused firmly on Hugo Ekitike and his growing influence in Arne Slot’s evolving side.

As Liverpool navigate injuries and the demands of a congested calendar, Ekitike has stepped forward with authority. His presence now feels central to how Slot’s team functions, particularly in the absence of other attacking options.

Owen Hargreaves, speaking on Premier League Productions and quoted by Metro.co.uk, captured that mood.

“I tell you why [Slot] is smiling, he’s got Hugo Ekitike in his team,” Hargreaves said.

“What a player he is by the way, oh my word, he could be one of the best strikers in the world.”

Such praise carries weight. It reflects not only potential but current impact.

Photo: IMAGO

Ekitike’s Influence in Slot’s System

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool play with structure and patience, seeking precision in the final third. Within that framework, Ekitike offers movement, composure and a willingness to shoulder responsibility.

Against West Ham, he embodied that role. With Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz sidelined, greater emphasis has fallen on Ekitike’s shoulders. Cody Gakpo found the net and Mohamed Salah continues to contribute creatively, yet neither currently carries the same sharpness in front of goal. In that context, Ekitike’s confidence becomes invaluable.

Hargreaves expanded on what separates the Frenchman.

“He makes it look so easy with everything,” Hargreaves added.

“He’s got size, he’s got skill, he’s got technique, he’s got awareness, always in the right place at the right time, technically he’s top and he’s got this confidence which I think is infectious.”

Those attributes align closely with what Slot demands from his central striker. Awareness between defenders, calmness under pressure and the ability to knit attacks together are essential in Liverpool’s approach.

Performance Data Reinforces Growing Reputation

Statistics from SofaScore underline the quality of Ekitike’s display. His contribution extended beyond goals and touches in the penalty area. He carried the ball through pressure, linked midfield to attack and provided an outlet when Liverpool required control.

Notably, Slot withdrew him on 76 minutes, introducing Rio Ngumoha. It felt like careful management rather than tactical necessity. Protecting a player in form suggests recognition of his importance, particularly with Wirtz unlikely to return for the next fixture.

Managers speak of balance, of rhythm and timing across a season. Ekitike currently provides all three.

Photo: IMAGO

Importance for Liverpool’s League Ambitions

Liverpool sit fifth on 48 points from 28 games, level with Manchester United in fourth. The margins in this stage of the campaign are narrow. Momentum can shift within weeks.

In such circumstances, reliability in the final third carries enormous value. When creative patterns falter or matches tighten, a forward capable of manufacturing moments becomes decisive. Ekitike has shown that capacity.

Wayne Rooney has already hinted that the striker’s form is reshaping perceptions of Liverpool’s forward line. That shift feels justified. Against West Ham, when phases of play threatened to drift, Ekitike demanded the ball, drove at defenders and forced openings.

For Arne Slot, who delivered a Premier League title in his first season and now seeks sustained domestic and European progress, players with conviction are indispensable. Ekitike’s upward trajectory offers encouragement not only for the present but for Liverpool’s broader project.

As fixtures intensify and pressure grows, Liverpool require composure and clarity in attack. Hugo Ekitike currently provides both. In a season defined by adaptation and resilience, his influence continues to expand at precisely the right moment.