Michael Owen believes Hugo Ekitike is Liverpool’s own Harry Kane as he heaped praise on the striker.
The former Reds forward has tipped the 23-year-old Frenchman to be among Europe’s elite strikers within the next 12 months after a sensational start to life at Anfield. Ekitike was in inspired form last time out against Newcastle United as his double was crucial in Liverpool’s 4-1 win – taking him to double figures in the Premier League.
In the absence of £125million striker Alexander Isak, Ekitike has stepped up to the plate and earned comparisons to Liverpool cult hero Fernando Torres.
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Owen believes if Ekitike isn’t already in the bracket of world-class strikers, in 12 months, he will be in the same conversation as Kane, Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, he said: Everybody can see Ekitike is unbelievable. He’s going to one of the best in the world, if he’s not already.
“Over the last five years or so, if you’re debating top strikers in the world, you’re talking (Harry) Kane, you’re talking (Robert) Lewandowski, you’re talking (Kylian) Mbappe and players like that, I’m putting him right up there in that category in the next year or so.
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“There’s nothing that I think he’s weak at. He’s direct, he’s quick, he’s strong, he’s brave, got a good touch, holds the ball up well, he scores goals and unselfish. I just love him.
“I genuinely think he is going to be exceptional. He’s young enough, he looks robust, he doesn’t pick up too many injuries, touch wood. I really like him, I like what I see and I’m excited by the future.
“I wasn’t a confidence player, players that rely on confidence are streaky and they’re not consistent at all. He’s got all the attributes.
“He looks as if he’s constantly got a huge dollop of self-belief, I’ve not really seen him have a dip. He’s been really good since he’s been at Liverpool.”
Hugo Ekitike has been in fine form for Liverpool in his debut season.(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The question surrounding Liverpool and facing Arne Slot is how he fits Ekitike into his squad with Florian Wirtz showing his best form since joining and Isak, when he returns from injury.
Owen said: “There will be occasions when they can both play in the same team, but we all know football nowadays, there are so many games and there’s always opportunities.
“Put it this way, when Isak’s back and fit, you’re not going to try to find a place for somebody that’s just cost 125 million quid. He’s an exceptional player.
“He had a slow start to his Liverpool career, but he’s done it in the Premier League for years, he is a top player.
“There’s no question that he’s going to be a huge asset to Liverpool. It’s been an awful start with him, being a slow starter himself, but he didn’t really have a good pre-season, then the unfortunate injury. I’d be astonished if he doesn’t have a successful Liverpool career.”
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