Former red says he ‘didn’t expect him to be this good, this soon’ | OneFootball

Cissé Backs Ekitike to Lead Liverpool’s New Era

Liverpool supporters have seen enough rising stars arrive with pressure on their shoulders to know the difference between hype and genuine quality. Hugo Ekitike has landed firmly in the latter category, and Djibril Cissé agrees. Speaking to GFFN about the French striker’s arrival at Liverpool, the former Reds forward could hardly hide his surprise at how quickly Ekitike has adapted.

“I wasn’t expecting him to be so good, so soon,” admitted Cissé. High praise from a man who once led the Liverpool forward line himself.

Ekitike’s Impact at Liverpool

There were initial doubts about Ekitike’s role, especially with Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah already key figures. Yet Cissé insists the 22-year-old has found his place immediately.

Photo: IMAGO

“He brings goals,” he said, laughing at the simplicity of his statement. “He can score goals. He showed it in Germany, and he’s shown it at Liverpool when he arrived.”

Cissé expected Ekitike to require time, perhaps even struggle for minutes. Instead, the forward has seized every opportunity. His movement, confidence and finishing have added a fresh dynamic to Liverpool’s attack.

Cissé believes Arne Slot now faces a welcome problem. “If Ekitike stays at this level and continues to score goals when he has the chance to play, then it’s going to be difficult for the manager to choose,” he said. Rather than seeing it as competition, he called it “the beauty of football”. Liverpool need multiple goal scorers across a long season, especially when even a player like Salah “can have a down period, so Ekitike can help.”

Cissé on Liverpool’s Current Dip

Liverpool have recently endured a poor run, losing three consecutive matches across all competitions. Cissé’s remedy was simple: unity and focus.

“You get out of situations like this by staying together, by keeping focus on your target. The talent is there, and they know how to play.”

He warned against external noise. “People are going to try and hurt the mentality and the environment of the squad. You have to be deaf to all of this and to carry on working and keeping focus.”

Liverpool fans may not need convincing, but if they wanted reassurance that their new forward carries the seal of approval from someone who understands the club’s standards, Djibril Cissé has delivered it emphatically.