Hugo Ekitike delivered a timely reminder of his talent with a spectacular first international goal for France in Thursday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine. The Liverpool forward, introduced as a 67th-minute substitute for Bradley Barcola on the left wing, produced a moment of brilliance to help Les Bleus to a comfortable victory.
The 23-year-old collected possession deep inside his own half before embarking on a surging run that took him past several defenders. A slick one-two with Kylian Mbappe followed, before Ekitike finished coolly through the legs of Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. He also struck the post late on and was unfortunate not to double his tally.
The goal was France's fourth on the night and confirmed their place at the top of Group D in qualifying, with 13 points from five matches. Iceland and Ukraine trail on seven, while Azerbaijan have just one point. With their place at next summer's World Cup secured, Ekitike will hope to earn a starting spot for the final group game against Azerbaijan this weekend.
Ekitike's form will be of interest to Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who signed the forward last summer alongside Alexander Isak. Isak's late arrival and ongoing fitness issues have given Ekitike a more prominent role than many expected, and his ability to operate on the left wing as well as through the middle could prove valuable for the Reds.
Liverpool have endured a rocky start to the season, most recently suffering a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City. After the international break, they host Nottingham Forest before a Champions League meeting with PSV. With Isak fit again and named in Sweden's squad, Ekitike's versatility may be key if Slot wishes to field both strikers in the same starting XI.
