Ekitike excels by learning from the superstars

10/11/2025 23:04:00 TrophyTracker

Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s £82.4 million signing, underwent a lengthy journey before arriving at Liverpool in the summer of 2025.

Ekitike confessed that he "picked up" some insights from many talented stars he played alongside. His list of former teammates could easily form a dream five-man team: Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Omar Marmoush.

Ekitike draws lessons from Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe

"If I can learn even a bit, even when I’m off the ball, from their style of play, I will do so. I truly observed them a lot during my time at PSG. And I still watch their matches now. I try to learn from players I admire," the Liverpool striker stated.

Hugo Ekitike revealed he learned directly from Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe: "I try to emulate Messi’s vision. Sometimes I try to see earlier, before getting the ball. From Neymar, I acquired some skills, techniques, and ball control. I study Mbappe’s movement; he’s excellent at making runs even without the ball. There are too many things to list, but I definitely gained a lot from them."

Hugo Ekitike spoke about Erling Haaland, the striker shining this season for Man City. "Haaland is probably the best striker worldwide in recent years, and definitely the one I watch most," Ekitike said. Even as an opponent, he openly admits Haaland is a role model for most young forwards globally.

"I believe if I could add something to my style, it would be from him. Haaland can influence the game without needing to touch the ball often, which is truly impressive. Therefore, Haaland is definitely someone I’m learning from," Ekitike confirmed.

In training sessions, Liverpool’s coach Arne Slot is always very strict with Ekitike. The Dutch coach constantly demands a lot from his number 9 striker. Ekitike was once publicly scolded by him, but it was due to a foolish red card after removing his shirt to celebrate a goal (in the match against Southampton in September 2025). "I punished myself heavily for that," Ekitike shared a month ago.

Hugo Ekitike learns from famous stars Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe

Guided by Arne Slot and advised by Mbappe

Talking about Slot’s strictness, Ekitike admitted: "As a player, sometimes you feel irritated, even frustrated. But I know he wants the best for me and the whole team. I can say he always ‘keeps an eye’ on me, but in a positive way. Coach Slot just wants to help me improve, so I don’t feel annoyed by it. He wants me to put in more effort and give more."

"Sometimes you might say the coach is ‘on your back.’ At times, you feel it’s a bit too much and want to complain. But actually, that’s good, because if the coach didn’t care about you, Slot wouldn’t say anything or push you. I view it positively."

When asked what exactly Slot demands, he laughed: "Keep your shirt on! But mainly it’s about the amount of off-ball movement. He wants me to participate more, work harder for the team, which I’m trying to improve."

Another person who often gives him advice is Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe. They have a close bond from when Ekitike played alongside Mbappe at PSG.

"Mbappe witnessed me during a difficult phase at PSG," Ekitike said, referring to his need to leave Paris to get more playing time. "So he’s very happy to see I’ve now established myself. We meet again in the national team and even play together."

"Mbappe is like an older brother to me. Always kind, always offering advice. Now that we face each other in the Champions League (Liverpool vs Real Madrid), that’s fantastic," Ekitike expressed.

After Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Real, Mbappe and Ekitike stayed behind to chat for about 20 minutes. One rose to global stardom as a teenager; the other had to patiently take a winding path, via a loan at Danish club Vejle Boldklub, then to Eintracht Frankfurt, to reach where he is today.

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