Steven Gerrard offered perhaps the highest praise he could muster for Liverpool's newest talisman, Hugo Ekitike, following a standout performance against Newcastle United. The former captain, not known for excessive flattery, drew direct comparisons between the French striker and his old partner in crime, Fernando Torres, after Ekitike's two-goal display in a 4-1 victory.
Gerrard's Glowing Comparison to a Liverpool Legend
Speaking pitchside after the match, Gerrard highlighted the striking similarities he observed. "He's scoring similar types of goals, where if you give him space in the channel, he'll run it, he's too quick, you can't catch him and he's deadly," Gerrard explained. "There are a lot of similarities: pace, power." The second goal against Newcastle particularly evoked memories of Torres with its quicksilver acceleration and instinctive finish.
It's a comparison that might make Gerrard feel his years, given that Ekitike was only eight years old when Torres departed Liverpool. The French forward admitted that his exposure to that era came primarily through video clips. "Back in the day I couldn't watch the Premier League, to be honest," Ekitike revealed, explaining that his mother couldn't afford the television subscription at the time.
Reshaping Liverpool's Attacking Identity
Ekitike's impact represents something of a departure from Liverpool's recent attacking philosophy. For much of the past decade, the Reds have relied on prolific wingers like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for their primary goal threat, with Roberto Firmino operating as a selfless false nine. Not since Daniel Sturridge a decade ago has a centre-forward finished as Liverpool's leading scorer, and not since Luis Suarez in 2013-14 has one achieved that with twenty or more goals.
"I would love to be the top scorer in the club," Ekitike stated ambitiously. With fifteen goals already this season – almost twice as many as any other Liverpool player – he appears well on track to achieve that ambition. As Liverpool recalibrate for a post-Salah era, they may be borrowing elements from an older blueprint, with Ekitike offering the kind of speedy striker presence that Torres once provided.
Forging a New Creative Partnership
Ekitike lined up alongside creative talents both present and past during the Newcastle match. While Gerrard supplied the post-match compliments, it was Florian Wirtz who provided the assist for Ekitike's equaliser. The two have combined for six goals this season, developing an understanding that manager Arne Slot has watched flourish.
"I don't think it comes as a surprise to anyone – definitely not to me – because the more players play together, the more they can find an understanding," Slot rationalised. "The more we have the ball they can show how special they are." Wirtz, operating as a number ten on Saturday, echoed the manager's sentiment about his strike partner: "He is just unbelievable."
Strategic Considerations and Future Prospects
Part of Liverpool's logic in acquiring both Ekitike and Wirtz was securing the best available talent, with both players having been targeted by Europe's elite clubs. While Wirtz lacks the physical presence of Gerrard, and Ekitike bears more direct similarities to Torres than Wirtz does to Gerrard, the partnership shows promising signs for Liverpool's future.
One ongoing question concerns Alexander Isak's role when fit. The Swedish striker has yet to forge a similar understanding with either Ekitike or Wirtz, with his opportunities limited by injury and interrupted fitness. Slot believes that time on the pitch together benefits his signings, but Isak has had precious little of that continuity. Should comparisons be drawn between Isak and Torres now, they would likely reference the Chelsea version rather than the Anfield legend Gerrard so fondly remembers.
As Liverpool continue to evolve under Slot's management, Ekitike's Torres-esque qualities offer both a nostalgic echo and a promising new direction for the club's attacking fortunes.
