Liverpool star admits he ‘isn’t happy’ with his season so far
· Yahoo Sports
Hugo Ekitike Drives Liverpool Forward with Goals and Honesty
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Liverpool’s 5-2 victory over West Ham United carried many talking points, yet one figure towered above the rest. Hugo Ekitike delivered a goal and two assists, shaping the contest within minutes and underlining why Arne Slot has placed such trust in the young Frenchman.
After four matches without scoring, Ekitike required only five minutes to rediscover his touch. A sharp, low strike caught Mads Hermansen unaware and set the tone for an afternoon of attacking fluency. It was his 16th goal of the season, a significant return in a debut campaign defined by promise and productivity.
Yet satisfaction remains elusive.
Early Impact Against West Ham
Ekitike’s opener injected energy into Liverpool’s play. His movement between defenders was crisp, his timing instinctive. Later, he would supply assists for Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, bringing his tally to six in all competitions. That blend of Goals and creativity reflects a forward growing in confidence within Slot’s system.
Eleven Premier League Goals by March marks a strong return for a 23 year old adapting to English football. Even so, there have been moments where sharper finishing might have elevated his numbers further. Missed headers and high profile chances against Manchester City, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest linger in the memory.
Ekitike knows it.
“To be honest, I could score more. I’m not that happy,” he said. “It’s not even goals, it’s assists as well. Today I think I gave one or two assists, I don’t remember. As long as I can help the team and be involved that’s the most important. I want to win, so personally I’m happy, but I’m looking forward to the upcoming games.”
That blend of candour and ambition resonated.
Photo: IMAGO
Striker’s Standards Remain Relentless
Praised for his attitude by Peter McDowell, Ekitike expanded on his mindset.
“Obviously I can improve, I could score in the last games, I had chances,” he said. “I have to keep working. I want to be the best version of myself to help the team more because I know I can. But it’s always about lessons and getting better, so I will try in the coming games to be even better, to score more and be involved more.”
Those words speak of accountability. Liverpool have long valued forwards who marry talent with self demand. Ekitike fits that mould. His desire to refine his craft suggests a player conscious that Goals define reputations at Anfield.
Goals, xG and Room for Growth
When Liverpool assessed Ekitike last summer, discussion around his expected goals record followed him from Eintracht Frankfurt. Questions surfaced regarding efficiency. On Merseyside, the data tells a nuanced story.
In the Premier League, he has scored 11 Goals from an xG of 9.51. On paper, that signals overperformance. In practice, it illustrates a forward capable of converting lower value chances while occasionally misjudging clearer openings.
Against West Ham, he might have doubled his tally. After deceiving Konstantinos Mavropanos with clever footwork, he opted for finesse where conviction was required. Such details separate very good strikers from elite ones.
Still, context matters. Sixteen Goals in a first season at Liverpool marks significant progress. Under Slot, whose debut campaign delivered a Premier League title in 2024-25, attacking responsibility is shared across the front line. Ekitike has embraced that collective ethos, contributing assists as well as finishing moves.
There remains scope for sharper heading, more ruthless decision making and greater composure in crowded penalty areas. These are refinements, not structural flaws. At 23, development curves favour patience.
Liverpool supporters crave decisive forwards. In Hugo Ekitike, they have one who scores, creates and demands more from himself. Should those marginal gains arrive, the 20 Goal milestone will not simply be reached, it will be surpassed.