Hugo Ekitike makes Liverpool statement after Alexander Isak distraction as transfer point proven

Hugo Ekitike makes Liverpool statement after Alexander Isak distraction as transfer point proven

Liverpool match analysis after the second friendly match against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield

Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield on August 4, 2025 (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Liverpool Football Club has always loved its strikers. But never will a new, big-money centre-forward be overshadowed as much as Hugo Ekitike.

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The Reds’ desire to sign a new number nine has been well-documented for a number of months, with Darwin Nunez’s prolific form in pre-season doing little to earn him a reprieve.

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In Ekitike, Liverpool landed their man last month as they signed the Frenchman in an initial £69m move from Eintracht Frankfurt. In a normal summer, the 23-year-old would be the new arrival to excite supporters most. But following the record buy of Florian Wirtz, it is understandable why it has proven challenging to steal the German’s thunder.

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But no sooner had the Reds signed Ekitike, then they moved onto the next striker in Alexander Isak. While there is no intention to put in a second bid as things stand, after an initial £110m offer was knocked by Newcastle United on Friday, things can change very quickly.

Consequently, it has been the pursuit of the Sweden international that has attracted the fascination of supporters most. After all, with Isak likely to cost a British record fee, it is logical to assume that he would be Arne Slot’s first-choice.

But that does not mean Ekitike has come to Anfield just to make up numbers. And when departing on his home debut against Athletic Bilbao after 57 minutes, he did so to the sound of supporters chanting his name after an encouraging display.

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There may have been no maiden goal from the Frenchman - in contrast to Nunez getting on the scoresheet in the earlier kick-off - but he certainly made his presence felt.

It was Ekitike who was the creator for the opening goal, running onto Dominik Szoboszlai’s through-ball, leaving his defender for dead with a smart stepover and burst of pace into the box, before then cutting back a great low cross for Mohamed Salah to finish.

During his time on the pitch, the forward linked up well with the likes of Wirtz, Salah, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai as he dropped deep to help keep quick passing moves going.

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But also often peeling away to the left wing or hanging on the shoulder of the last man, he showed his pace and strength more than once too.

And one piece of play, after his assist, earned him his first chant of, ‘Hugo, Hugo!’ from the crowd. Showing more flair to burst down the left, he was hauled down on the edge of the box, before getting back to his feet and geeing up the crowd.

He would then receive the same treatment when saluting the Kop at the end after his hard-working performance.

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There was a lot to like from this first Anfield showing in a Liverpool shirt from the Frenchman as he lined up in what is seemingly, currently, Arne Slot’s first-choice front three.

Admittedly, further reinforcements are still needed, given that both Federico Chiesa and three of the attacking four that started the first friendly of the evening could easily still move on this summer.

But whatever happens with the Reds’ pursuit of Isak this summer, Ekitike has already shown glimpses of why Liverpool were so keen to sign him in the first place.

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Defensive dilemma

Slot selected six players at centre-back across his side’s two friendlies with Bilbao. But from that hexet, Ibrahima Konate was the only natural, senior option in the position.

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Liverpool’s shortness at the back is nothing new following the sale of Jarell Quansah. But with Virgil van Dijk missing through illness and Joe Gomez still troubled by a minor Achilles injury, it was certainly more glaring at Anfield on Monday evening.

Trey Nyoni was tasked with playing alongside Andy Robertson for the first outing, with Wataru Endo joining Ibrahima Konate for the second. Meanwhile, academy talents Wellity Lucky and Amara Nallo were introduced after both breaks to free up both midfielders in their favoured positions.

As fluid as the Liverpool attack is proving to be, something remains quite not right defensively. Perhaps that should be no surprise given Slot is implementing two new full-backs and fielding players out of their favoured position.

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But the fact that all three goals the Reds conceded across the two games were of their own making prompts obvious concern.

A misjudged header from Stephenson gifted Gorka Guruzeta a consolation in Liverpool’s first 4-1 win. And then it was poor marking from set-pieces that cost them twice when running out 3-2 victors second time around with Oihan Sancet netting after a free-kick was knocked back across goal and Cody Gakpo deflecting Maroan Sannadi’s header into his own net.

The return of Van Dijk will inevitably aid things, as will time for Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez and the new arrivals continue to settle at Anfield.

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But it is clear that is not just in attack where Liverpool would be wise to strengthen further before the transfer window closes on September 1.

There will need to be departures and reshuffling before their frontline is complete. But the latest absences made it clear that the Reds really would benefit from signing another centre-back.

With the Community Shield against Crystal Palace next up - a game which Gomez is likely to miss - and a meeting with target Marc Guehi, Liverpool could be about to lock horns with one possible solution.

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Dom delivers

When Liverpool signed Wirtz, it prompted obvious about what it might mean for Szoboszlai. The Hungarian had been Slot’s first-choice number 10 throughout the Dutchman’s first season at Anfield.

It was only away at Brighton in the penultimate game of the season, with the title already won, where he lined up in a deeper role. Ahead of that trip to the South Coast, Slot confirmed Szoboszlai considered it his best position.

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Eyebrows were raised at such a claim. After all, it would be a big ask to start in the position when Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister had cemented their place as the Reds’ first-choice pairing.

But with the Argentine absent for the majority of pre-season, Szoboszlai has shown why it is the deeper role he favours most.

He was the standout player against Bilbao, dictating play from deep while still demonstrating his powerhouse running. Rather than lose his place to Wirtz, the quick-paced link-up play between the pair was a joy to behold.

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It was his through-ball that led to the opener, playing in Ekitike, while he earned loud cheers of his own with one sumptuous nutmeg in the second half.

And after the second half substitutions, he finished the game at right-back - having previously impressed in the unfamiliar role behind closed doors against Stoke City.

One rare criticism of Slot in his first season was how he chose not to rotate more, with his limited tinkering no doubt playing a role in Liverpool falling short in both League Cup and Champions League.

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But a £295m - and counting - outlay in the Champions League has seemingly rectified such issues.

You do not envy the Dutchman, having to choose between Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Curtis Jones as his deeper midfield two, with Endo and Nyoni also options.

But it is such strength in depth that has already positioned Liverpool as early favourites for the title heading into the new season.

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