Ekitike looks to Haaland in quest to join attacking elite

Hugo Ekitike has gotten off to a flying start since joining Liverpool in the summer and faces Manchester City's prolific striker in this afternoon's big clash, writes Richard Jolly

- Richard Jolly

For a footballer who was on loan at Vejle Boldklub as recently as 2021, Hugo Ekitike is accustomed to spending time with the world's elite attackers. He will share a pitch with Erling Haaland this afternoon. He has shared a dressing room with Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Ousmane Dembele, Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak.

It has served as an elite education, but Ekitike is still looking and learning. Even as Liverpool seek to overcome Manchester City, Haaland can provide an example for him. Ekitike has started well at Anfield but he has scored six goals for Liverpool. Haaland has 18 for City alone this season, 27 for club and country.

“He’s on the list of best strikers in the world now for a few years, and definitely someone I’m looking at,” said the Frenchman. “I think if I can add a little bit in my game it would be from his game. He’s able to do things without touching the ball much during the game, and it’s really impressive. So he’s definitely someone I’m looking at.”