Hugo Ekitike Romario-like Finish And Wirtz Development Highlight Liverpool's 4-1 Win Over Newcastle

Liverpool moved, at least for now, into the Premier League’s top four after a 4-1 comeback win over Newcastle United at Anfield, where Hugo Ekitike struck twice and drew comparisons with Romario, while Florian Wirtz also earned praise as the growing understanding between the attacking pair played a central role in the result.

Ekitike’s brace took the forward to 10 Premier League goals this season and, at 23 years and 225 days, that made Ekitike the youngest player to hit double figures in a league campaign for Liverpool since Michael Owen in 2000-01, when Owen reached that mark at 21 years and 138 days.

The second strike, a precise effort from the left of the penalty area using the outside of Ekitike’s right boot, stood out most for Arne Slot,

who recognised the quality of that finish and felt it echoed Romario’s trademark style from the Dutch Eredivisie and Brazil, leading to a high-profile comparison after the match.

The Liverpool head coach told TNT Sports: "Hugo is another player who has adjusted to the Premier League now. He is much fitter. From the start of the season, he was special on the ball, but off the ball, he has improved so much, and that is what you get by playing lots of games in the Champions League and Premier League. Their [Ekitike and Wirtz's] combination gets better and better and better. His second goal, I don't know if he knows who he is, but Romario, who played in Holland and Brazil, scored a lot of goals like this. It looked like a Romario goal, I have to say. "

Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for a significant fee and initially found it difficult to adapt, but recent weeks have brought an upturn in output, and Arne Slot highlighted improved pressing and defensive contribution as the main change rather than technical ability or vision on the ball.

Speaking about Wirtz, Slot said: "When he had these moments earlier in the season, they did not lead to goals and assists, but now his numbers are much better. Now the biggest thing I see is his work off the ball, the way he presses and wins the duels is so impressive and that is completely full credit to him. He works so hard for it. We could all see from the start he was this special player, but we are seeing it more now, because of the goals and assists. "

Liverpool, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz attacking numbers

Ekitike’s first goal against Newcastle United came from a pass by Wirtz, and that combination has now produced six goals across all competitions this season, with Ekitike and Wirtz setting up three goals each for the other, underlining the developing chemistry that Slot referenced when discussing Liverpool’s attacking structure.

Beyond individual displays, Slot also addressed Liverpool’s plans before the close of the transfer window, with reports indicating talks over a move for Lutsharel Geertruida, who is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, as the club consider defensive and squad depth options for the rest of the campaign.

Slot outlined the situation: "In the last 48 to 72 hours there has been a lot of speculation always around us. We are trying to look to strengthen the squad, Slot said. I don't know exactly what is going on at this moment of time, but we prefer to strengthen the squad, not weaken it. Let's see what the upcoming 48 hours will bring. "

The performance against Newcastle United showed Liverpool’s attack functioning with confidence, with Hugo Ekitike’s clinical goals, Florian Wirtz’s growing impact and Arne Slot’s tactical guidance aligning, while uncertainty around late transfer business remains as the club weigh potential additions without losing key players during the final days of the window.