“I love this kid!” – Steven Gerrard praises Liverpool star after Qarabag victory | OneFootball

Gerrard Praises Ekitike as Liverpool Forward Continues Rapid Rise

Steven Gerrard’s latest assessment of Hugo Ekitike has offered a timely insight into how highly Liverpool’s newest attacking weapon is now regarded inside elite football circles. Following the Reds’ Champions League victory over Qarabag, the former captain used his role as a TNT Sports pundit to highlight the Frenchman’s growing influence at Anfield.

With Liverpool securing automatic qualification for the last 16, Gerrard’s focus shifted beyond the scoreline and towards individual development. His comments, first reported by Empire of the Kop writer Peter Kenny Jones, reflected a wider sense that Ekitike is rapidly becoming central to Arne Slot’s long-term project.

The performance reinforced Liverpool’s attacking progress and underlined why recruitment decisions made in recent windows are beginning to pay dividends.

Liverpool v Barnsley, FA Cup, 3rd Round 28.01.26 Liverpool v Barnsley, FA Cup, 3rd Round Bradley Ormesher/The Times Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores and celebrates scoring his teams 3rd goal PUBLICATIONxINxGERxAUTxSUIxONLY Copyright: xBradleyxOrmesherx NINTCHDBPICT001054830214

Gerrard’s Verdict on Ekitike’s Development

Speaking on TNT Sport after the Qarabag match, Gerrard was unequivocal in his praise of Liverpool’s forward.

“I love this kid [Ekitike], I think he’s just gonna get better and better, what a signing he’s been so far.”

The statement captured both admiration and expectation. Gerrard did not frame Ekitike as a finished product, but rather as a player on a steep upward trajectory. His choice of words reflected confidence in the striker’s work ethic, technical growth, and capacity to adapt to elite-level demands.

For a former Liverpool captain renowned for demanding excellence, such endorsement carries significant weight. Gerrard’s assessment also echoed sentiments increasingly shared within the fanbase and analytical community, where Ekitike’s blend of movement, pace, and intelligence is viewed as a key tactical asset.

His rise has been neither rushed nor accidental. Instead, it has followed a deliberate process of integration, refinement, and trust under Slot’s guidance.

Tactical Connection with Florian Wirtz

Beyond individual brilliance, Gerrard emphasised the growing partnership between Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. Their on-field chemistry has become one of Liverpool’s most reliable attacking patterns this season.

“The main positive is these two [Ekitike and Wirtz]… the timing of the pass and the finish, they’re growing and evolving and that connection, they’re on the same wavelength.”

This observation reflected how Liverpool’s attacking structure is maturing. Rather than relying on isolated moments, Slot’s side increasingly generates chances through coordinated movement and positional understanding.

Ekitike’s ability to drop into space, draw defenders, and release teammates has become central to this evolution. In the move that led to Wirtz’s goal against Qarabag, his intelligence off the ball created the opening before the final pass was played.

Such details rarely dominate highlight reels, but they form the backbone of sustainable attacking systems. Gerrard’s recognition of this subtlety illustrated his broader tactical appreciation.

Statistical Impact Against Qarabag

Ekitike’s contribution against Qarabag was supported by strong underlying data. In 67 minutes of action, he recorded one goal and one assist, generated 1.11 expected goals, attempted six shots, completed three successful dribbles, and produced two key passes.

Those figures, sourced via Sofascore and referenced by Empire of the Kop, demonstrated a forward operating at high efficiency within a collective framework.

Across all competitions this season, Ekitike now boasts 13 goals and four assists from 31 appearances. More importantly, his involvement extends beyond direct scoring. His pressing, positional discipline, and link-up play continue to enhance Liverpool’s attacking rhythm.

He has become a reliable facilitator as well as a finisher, allowing Slot to deploy flexible attacking rotations without sacrificing structure.

This balance between productivity and cohesion has elevated his standing within the squad.

Implications for Slot’s Long-Term Vision

Gerrard’s praise also served as indirect validation of Arne Slot’s recruitment strategy. Ekitike was not acquired as a headline-grabbing marquee signing, yet his impact has arguably exceeded that of several higher-profile arrivals.

Slot’s system prioritises vertical movement, combination play between lines, and intelligent channel running. Ekitike fits that profile precisely. As Gerrard noted, “When there’s space behind the back lines, Liverpool can look extremely dangerous.”

The forward’s ability to exploit transitional moments has become a defining feature of Liverpool’s attacking approach this season.

There is an added layer of irony in Gerrard’s comments, given his recent links with the club’s managerial future. Yet his willingness to praise Slot’s recruitment underscores the coherence of Liverpool’s current direction.

Rather than relying on short-term fixes, the club appears committed to nurturing players capable of sustained growth within a clear tactical framework. Ekitike’s development is increasingly emblematic of that philosophy.

As reported by Empire of the Kop, Gerrard’s words were not simply reactive praise but a considered assessment of a player moving towards elite status.

Liverpool’s challenge now is to maintain that trajectory across domestic and European competitions.