Hugo Ekitike: “I Try To Help The Team The Best As I Can”

Hugo Ekitike has been one of the rare bright spots for Liverpool this season, showcasing a penchant for flair on the ball as well as a calm finishing touch. When given the opportunities, he has consistently produced, averaging a goal or assist every 106 minutes in the Premier League.

After Alexander Isak failed to produce over a stretch of starts that coincided with Liverpool’s barren run, Ekitike has been given a starting role over the past four matches. He has scored five goals over that stretch,

including finding the net in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Spurs. He was also involved in the build up to the opening goal of the match from Alexander Isak. After the match, Ekitike told BBC Match of the Day that he’s just trying to help the team as best he can, both with creating and finishing chances.

“[It is] the best feeling as a striker. You need goals. The most important is the win and to play with confidence, and obviously if I can help with goals. The first goal I helped with the pass before the assist, so I try to help the team the best as I can and that’s the most important.”

Ekitike’s goal would end up being the match winner as Liverpool conceded to long-time nemesis Richarlison despite the Reds being up a player since the 33rd minute. The French striker noted getting the win was the important thing as Liverpool continue to string together positive results and climb back up the table.

“It wasn’t our best game, a difficult game, but we had the control. It was difficult in the last part of the second half because they pushed and they scored. We kept the result and we go back to Liverpool with the win, that is the most important thing.”

“It is never easier [to play against 10 men]. They play at home, the fans push them and they have more energy, more than at the start. That makes it more difficult, so you have to play smart and to fight for every ball.”

With Alexander Isak sustaining what looked like a serious injury while scoring against Spurs, and with Mohamed Salah away at AFCON until at least mid-January it seems like Hugo Ekitike will have an extended run of matches to cement his role as the new face of Liverpool’s attack.