Ekitike is Liverpool's most important forward - he can't be dropped

In scoring against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, the Frenchman made it six goals in 12 appearances for the Reds.

Photo: IMAGO | Anfield Index

Had you not followed Liverpool’s summer transfer window particularly closely, you could be forgiven for mistaking which of the two centre-forwards that started Wednesday evening’s 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt cost £125m.

It certainly did not look like Alexander Isak, who was forced off with an unfortunate groin injury just days after his manager had proclaimed him to finally be at full fitness.

Instead, Hugo Ekitike stepped up to show that he is, if not the Reds’ most valuable attacker in monetary terms, then perhaps their most important right now.

In netting the equaliser in Germany, the 23-year-old made it six goals in 12 appearances for the club, and seven goal contributions overall.

Only Cody Gakpo can match that figure this season, with Isak, Mohamed Salah, and Florian Wirtz all trailing.

Yet Ekitike also proved in this much-needed victory that he is so much more than just a finisher, putting on an excellent all-round display.

That included helping Liverpool get up the pitch by safely retaining possession in tight areas, as a 90% pass completion rate attests.

As can be seen here, many of those were backwards, as would be expected of anyone playing the role of a focal point up top, but Ekitike also looked forward when necessary.

Ekitike passes vs Eintracht Frankfurt

And those moments saw him utilise his incredible close control to carry the ball and push the Frankfurt defence further back into the box.

Liverpool expected threat vs Eintracht Frankfurt

This is how the striker ensured that, despite needing to keep it safe in some respects, he was still able to add threat outside of his shooting.