October 19, 2025 | Liverpool, England
Rising French striker Hugo Ekitike is being tipped by football pundits and former players to become one of the Premier League’s breakout stars, with some suggesting he could even surpass Alexander Isak in influence and consistency at Liverpool.
Following his impressive performances since arriving at Anfield, Ekitike has drawn comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, with experts praising his flair, pace, and intelligence in front of goal.
The 23-year-old joined Liverpool during the summer transfer window in a high-profile move from Eintracht Frankfurt, and has already shown glimpses of brilliance that have reignited excitement among fans craving the next elite striker in the club’s modern era.
Ekitike has that rare blend of grace and aggression,” said Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit. “He moves like Henry did when he was young — elegant, fast, and clinical. If he keeps this up, he’ll be one of the best forwards in England.
A New Era in Liverpool’s Attack
Ekitike’s arrival marked a strategic move by manager Arne Slot, who sought to rejuvenate Liverpool’s attacking options following a period of transition after the departures of Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino.
With Mohamed Salah still the team’s focal point, Ekitike has brought a new dimension to the Reds’ front line — offering versatility, composure under pressure, and an instinctive understanding of space.
Since joining, he has not only scored important goals but also demonstrated tactical maturity beyond his years, linking up seamlessly with Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz in fluid attacking rotations.
He’s fearless,” said Arne Slot in a recent press conference. “Hugo is always looking for the ball, always ready to attack defenders. What makes him special is his movement — he’s unpredictable, and defenders hate that.
Ekitike’s ability to play both as a central striker and a wide forward gives Liverpool multiple tactical options, reminiscent of how Henry evolved from a winger into one of the most lethal strikers in football history.
The Comparison With Alexander Isak
The discussion comparing Ekitike with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been one of the most talked-about debates among Premier League fans this season.
Isak, 26, has established himself as one of the league’s most efficient forwards, combining clinical finishing with a graceful playing style. But analysts believe Ekitike’s technical ceiling and physical potential could eventually see him eclipse Isak in the years to come.
Isak is a superb player, no doubt,” said Micah Richards on BBC Sport. “But Ekitike has that spark — he plays with a kind of hunger and unpredictability that’s hard to defend. His ceiling looks even higher.
Statistics support the growing hype. In his first eight appearances for Liverpool, Ekitike has registered five goals and three assists, outperforming expectations for a player adapting to a new system and league.
Meanwhile, Isak’s early-season form has been solid, with four goals in seven matches, but some pundits argue that Ekitike’s overall contribution to build-up play and his ability to create space for others gives him a more well-rounded profile.
The 'Young Thierry Henry' Comparison
Few compliments in football carry as much weight as being compared to Thierry Henry, one of the most iconic forwards in Premier League history. Yet Ekitike’s style, elegance, and finishing instincts have prompted former professionals to make that bold connection.
When I watch Ekitike, I see the confidence and body language Henry had at Monaco and early at Arsenal,” said Thierry Henry himself on CBS Sports. “He’s got the movement, the touch, and that coolness in front of goal. If he keeps learning, he can go very far.
Ekitike’s background also mirrors Henry’s in certain ways. Both emerged from France’s youth system, both possess blistering pace, and both have been praised for their off-the-ball intelligence and composure in transition play.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano noted that Liverpool’s recruitment department had scouted Ekitike for over a year before securing the deal, seeing him as a long-term heir to Liverpool’s dynamic attacking tradition.
How Ekitike Fits Into Liverpool’s System
Under Arne Slot’s modern pressing and positional play system, Ekitike has flourished. His natural instincts for timed runs behind defenses and his ability to press aggressively have made him a natural fit in Liverpool’s high-energy structure.
In training, sources close to the club say Ekitike has impressed staff with his work ethic and adaptability. Slot is reportedly developing his role further, encouraging him to drop deeper into midfield during build-up phases — a tactical evolution that mirrors Henry’s transformation under Arsène Wenger.
He’s very coachable,” said assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff. “He listens, he studies, and he’s always looking for ways to improve. You can tell he wants to be world-class.
Fans have quickly warmed to the Frenchman, chanting his name during recent victories at Anfield. His calm finishing, technical flair, and humility off the pitch have drawn admiration from supporters who see him as a symbol of Liverpool’s next generation.
Ekitike’s Mentality and Ambition
What sets Ekitike apart, according to coaches and analysts, is not just his talent but his mentality. Those who know him describe a player with quiet confidence and a relentless drive to improve — traits that have been compared to elite strikers like Kylian Mbappé and Robert Lewandowski.
He’s incredibly focused,” said Franck Haise, his former coach at Stade de Reims. “When he was young, he told me he wanted to be one of the best in Europe — not just play in the top leagues, but dominate them.
Ekitike’s calm demeanor off the pitch has earned praise from teammates as well. Sources inside Liverpool’s dressing room say he has quickly earned respect for his professionalism and willingness to learn English football’s physical demands.
Analysts also point to Ekitike’s composure under pressure as a defining trait. His ability to remain poised in one-on-one situations and execute clinical finishes mirrors the qualities that made Thierry Henry a Premier League icon.
The Road Ahead
With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts — including the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups — Ekitike’s role is expected to grow even more significant in the coming months.
Slot reportedly views him as a cornerstone of the club’s next attacking era, potentially forming a long-term partnership with Darwin Núñez or serving as the main striker in a fluid front three.
If his early form continues, Ekitike could soon become one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards, cementing his reputation as Liverpool’s next superstar.
