Hugo can follow Messi to the top

REDS EKITIKE BELIEVES HE CAN BE WORLD CLASS STRIKER

- PAUL GORST

HUGO Ekitike believes he has what it takes to become one of the world's best strikers at Liverpool, opening up on what he learned playing alongside Lionel Messi.

Ekitike has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign since his £79million move from Eintracht Frankfurt in July, scoring 16 goals across all competitions, with 11 coming in the Premier League.

The France international played for two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain and featured alongside Argentina star Messi.

Ekitike says he learned a lot by studying the former Barcelona forward at close quarters.

And in an interview with former England star Owen Hargreaves for TNT Sport, the Reds' No.22 believes he can become of football's most deadly frontmen.

"I think I can," he says. "I think I can, there's room for improvement, I have to work more and progress but obviously I am where I want to be.