Liverpool are currently not having the best season, having lost grounds in the Premier League race and yet to put in impressive performance consistently.
However, the Reds earned a 3-0 comprehensive victory over Marseille at the Stade Velodrome. A clever Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick, an own goal from keeper Gerónimo Rulli and a late Cody Gakpo strike ensured Arne Slot’s side grabbed a well-deserved win.
One player who caught the eye with his performance was £79 million summer signing Hugo Ekitike.
Ekitike was returning to his homeland for the clash, with the striker hoping to be named in France’s World Cup squad later this year. Despite not scoring against Marseille, the Frenchman has hit 12 goals since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Former Manchester City and Arsenal attacking midfielder Samir Nasri was highly impressed with what he saw from his countryman.
Hugo Ekitike has been scoring for fun since he joined Liverpool in the summer. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Nasri told French TV station Canal+: “What is really impressive is that even though he’s a striker and stats are extremely important, we still highlight the match he had even though he didn’t score or provide an assist.
“But the visual impression: he’s dangerous every time he touches the ball, he creates the gap against his direct opponent every single time, and he manages to link up with all the Liverpool players.”
On Liverpool’s victory, Nasri added: “If [Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi] wanted to put Liverpool in difficulty, he would have had to create some disorder and change his way of playing.
“Liverpool’s team had a compact block and defended very well. Marseille have no regrets because Liverpool was largely superior.”
Ekitike’s start to his Liverpool career has receive praises from fans who will be eager to see the Frenchman stay fit and consistent.
