Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak battle takes twist as Liverpool star makes admission

Hugo Ekitike has been in sublime form for Liverpool since his move from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, but the France international has now joked he is ‘too long’ to play on the wing

Hugo Ekitike has teased he is ‘too long’ to be a winger as he battles with Alexander Isak for a spot in the Liverpool starting line-up. The France international has enjoyed an explosive start at Anfield, netting five goals and providing an assist in his first nine games.

Before serving a one-match ban during last weekend’s defeat at Crystal Palace, the 23-year-old had been a constant starter in the Reds’ initial five Premier League matches.

But despite returning to the starting XI for the midweek loss to Galatasaray, Ekitike, who was forced off due to injury in the second half, found himself on the bench for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea with Isak selected to start in attack instead.

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Ekitike, who began his career as a winger, has previously stated he believes he can play alongside the Swede, but has now seemingly suggested a position change might not be the solution if Slot wishes to fit them both in his side.

“I have always been an offensive player,” he shared with BBC Sport. “When I was younger, I was smaller so I was a winger. But around 16-21 I grew and now I am too long! That is why I went in the middle – a centre-forward. Not too long, but obviously I am tall. I think Cody [Gakpo] is the only tall winger I know.”

At just 23, Ekitike’s career has already seen many twists and turns. Beginning his professional journey with Reims, the striker confesses he was ‘really bad’ and required a stark reality check from his parents during his academy days when they cautioned him about potential release if his performances didn’t drastically improve.

He credits a loan spell at Vejle Boldklub as the pivotal moment in his career trajectory after initially battling for playing opportunities with the Danish outfit. Ekitike then returned to Reims, where he made a name for himself.

His impressive performances at Reims subsequently secured him a switch to Paris Saint-Germain, but after initially finding himself behind Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in the hierarchy, he was then frozen out following just one campaign.

A temporary stint at Eintracht Frankfurt followed, which was subsequently made permanent, and Ekitike hasn’t looked back since, with the striker proceeding to join Liverpool this summer in a deal valued at up to £79m.

Acknowledging his spell in Paris was a ‘failure’, he believes it ultimately prepared him to later secure his switch to Anfield, with the forward now targeting Premier League success with the Reds.

“Becoming a good player is the biggest turning point in my life,” he said. “That was the first moment in my life that I have known failure.

“I am different since I went to Paris. I am a way better player and better human. I have changed so much. The first feeling was that I was proud (when I joined Liverpool). To come here when I know where I come from. It’s difficult because I want to achieve so many things but, right now, (I want to win the) Premier League with Liverpool.”

Whilst Ekitike may have battled for chances when vying with Messi, Mbappe and Neymar at PSG, it has clearly been a contrasting tale at Liverpool.

And the striker is loving linking up with Mohamed Salah as he disclosed how the Egyptian is helping the Frenchman improve as a player at Anfield.

“(It’s) really good (playing with Salah),” he said. “Mo is a really cool guy, he is really open with me and is really good to talk too. He is great to play with. I was watching him on TV when he was scoring the goals and stuff but he is a really great athlete.

“You can just improve yourself and learn from him. It is good to share the pitch with him and I hope we are going to score lots of goals and bring some wins to the team together.

“He is very cool. More cool than what I have seen on TV because sometimes you see straight face and stuff so I thought he was cold… someone who doesn’t talk a lot. He is really open, like all of the guys here. They are really open and want me to adapt to the team.”

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