Michael Owen has likened Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool’s version of Harry Kane, lavishing praise on the forward. The ex-Reds striker has predicted that the 23-year-old Frenchman will rank among Europe’s top forwards within the next year, following a stellar start to his Anfield career.
Ekitike was in scintillating form in the recent match against Newcastle United, with his brace proving pivotal in Liverpool’s 4-1 victory – propelling him into double digits for Premier League goals this season.
With £125million striker Alexander Isak sidelined, Ekitike has risen to the challenge. His performances have seen him compared to Liverpool fan favourite Fernando Torres.
Owen is of the opinion that if Ekitike isn’t already considered a world-class striker, he will be mentioned in the same breath as Kane, Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe within a year.
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, he said: “Everybody can see Ekitike is unbelievable. He’s going to be one of the best in the world, if he’s not already.
“Over the last five years or so, if you’re debating top strikers in the world, you’re talking [Harry] Kane, you’re talking [Robert] Lewandowski, you’re talking [Kylian] Mbappe and players like that, I’m putting him right up there in that category in the next year or so.
“There’s nothing that I think he’s weak at. He’s direct, he’s quick, he’s strong, he’s brave, got a good touch, holds the ball up well, he scores goals and unselfish. I just love him.
“I genuinely think he is going to be exceptional. He’s young enough, he looks robust, he doesn’t pick up too many injuries, touch wood. I really like him, I like what I see and I’m excited by the future.
“I wasn’t a confidence player, players that rely on confidence are streaky and they’re not consistent at all. He’s got all the attributes.
“He looks as if he’s constantly got a huge dollop of self-belief, I’ve not really seen him have a dip. He’s been really good since he’s been at Liverpool.”
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The challenge facing Liverpool and Arne Slot is how to accommodate Ekitike within his squad, particularly with Florian Wirtz displaying his finest form since arriving and Isak set to return from injury.
Owen remarked: “There will be occasions when they can both play in the same team, but we all know football nowadays, there are so many games and there’s always opportunities.
“Put it this way, when Isak’s back and fit, you’re not going to try to find a place for somebody that’s just cost 125 million quid. He’s an exceptional player.
“He had a slow start to his Liverpool career, but he’s done it in the Premier League for years, he is a top player.
“There’s no question that he’s going to be a huge asset to Liverpool. It’s been an awful start with him, being a slow starter himself, but he didn’t really have a good pre-season, then the unfortunate injury. I’d be astonished if he doesn’t have a successful Liverpool career.”
