Hugo Ekitike Credits PSG Legends for Liverpool Success

Hugo Ekitike has quickly made headlines at Liverpool, and he openly credits his time learning from Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe at PSG as a crucial influence on his evolution as a Premier League striker.

Hugo Ekitike: Shaping His Game at Liverpool with a PSG Foundation

Hugo Ekitike’s journey to Liverpool has been shaped by invaluable experiences alongside some of football’s most iconic names. After spending a season on loan at Paris Saint-Germain during an era defined by the presence of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe, Ekitike absorbed key elements of their games. Now, the French striker is making his mark at Anfield after a £79 million summer transfer.

Speaking to Daily Mail Sport, Ekitike revealed how he consciously models attributes of his play on his former PSG teammates. He said, “I can’t face people and say I’ll do the same things as Messi, Neymar, or Mbappe, but if I can take even a little from their game, I will. I watched them closely at PSG, and I still watch them. Messi’s vision, Neymar’s skills and ball control, and Mbappe’s movement off the ball are all things I try to add to my own game.”

Impact at Liverpool: Blending Styles and Making an Impression

Ekitike’s adaptation at Liverpool has been impressive. Despite competition for minutes, especially after the arrival of Aleksander Isak, the 23-year-old has netted six goals in his first 15 appearances. His understanding of space, sharp finishing, and clever link-up play reflect the influence of the PSG trio. Ekitike’s all-around development is clear, and Liverpool fans have already seen flashes of brilliance that hint at a complete forward in the making.

His growth is not limited to technical skill; Ekitike credits Mbappe’s mentorship for helping him handle the mental pressures at top-level football. “He’s been like a big brother,” Ekitike shared. “When things were tough at PSG, Mbappe always gave me advice. Now, even though we face each other for Liverpool and Real Madrid, our bond remains strong.”

Learning from the Best: Haaland and Beyond

Ekitike’s appetite for self-improvement doesn’t end with his PSG idols. Ahead of a key Premier League clash with Manchester City, he also praised Erling Haaland’s efficiency and movement. “Haaland is probably the best striker in the world now. I study how he influences games without being too involved in the build-up, and it’s something I want to add to my own game,” Ekitike commented.

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities at Liverpool

Adapting to life under manager Arne Slot, Ekitike admits that not everything has been easy. He has occasionally found the Dutchman’s high demands frustrating, especially after being publicly criticized for a shirt-removal celebration in the Carabao Cup. Yet, these challenges are part of his growth. With Isak sidelined by injury, Ekitike is poised to take center stage against Manchester City and showcase the lessons learned from the best in the game.

Opinion: Ekitike’s Evolution Signals a Bright Future for Liverpool

Ekitike’s commitment to learning from football’s elite is evident in his performances. By blending the vision of Messi, the flair of Neymar, the intelligence of Mbappe, and the efficiency of Haaland, he is crafting a unique identity. If he continues on this trajectory, Liverpool fans can expect him to be a pivotal part of the club’s future successes. For more news on Liverpool and other top football stories, visit for more news.