Author of his first goal with the Blues, Hugo Ekitiké is starting to settle in well with the French team.
This summer, Hugo Ekitiké became the most expensive player in the history of football never to have been an international. Transferred for 95 million euros to Liverpool, the former Rémois was not going to stay away from the France team for long.
Since September, Ekitiké has participated in five matches for the Blues in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. A decisive passer against Azerbaijan (3-0) for what is to date his only start, the new French No. 9 scored his first goal Thursday evening against Ukraine (4-0), to reward a successful entry into play.
“I really liked his entrance, confirms Rio Mavuba in his debrief for L’Equipe. He was very impactful, he really dared. Certainly, there were more spaces when he entered, but we felt a state of mind where he wanted to show things. That’s what we missed in the first half. »
Ekitiké at the World Cup, is it already validated?
“It’s a match that will count for him because he scored his first goal and his attitude was very positive,
adds Mavuba. Above all, he offers different possibilities, he is versatile, capable of playing up front or on the left. Even if Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé were missing, he may have a card to play. »
Despite Liverpool’s disappointing start to the season, Hugo Ekitiké has managed to do well with six goals already on the clock, in all competitions, and generally satisfactory performances. At this rate, the former Parisian seems very well on his way to being on the plane to the United States next summer…
