Liverpool trounced Newcastle United 4-1 at Anfield, with Hugo Ekitike scoring twice to help his side bounce back from a goal down. The France forward has drawn comparisons with former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, who is known for his pace and finishing ability. In his first season with the club, Ekitike has already scored 15 goals and has become an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's attack.
Ekitike's partnership with Eintracht Frankfurt team-mate Florian Wirtz has been impressive, with the duo combining for six goals in all competitions so far this season. The two strikers have formed a deadly understanding on the pitch, and their friendship off it is beginning to bear fruit.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was disappointed with his side's performance, acknowledging that Ekitike was "outstanding" and "a little bit of everything". The Magpies had hoped to sign Ekitike in the summer, but were unsuccessful. This latest defeat has been a tough pill to swallow for Newcastle fans, who are still reeling from the club's relegation to the Championship last season.
For Liverpool, the win was a welcome boost after a run of draws that had seen them sit in mid-table. The Reds' victory has moved them up to third place in the Premier League table, and they will be looking to build on this momentum as they head into their next fixture.
The similarity between Ekitike's performances and Torres' is striking, with both players possessing a similar combination of speed, skill and finishing ability. However, Ekitike has so far proven himself to be a more clinical finisher than his predecessor, with 15 goals in all competitions this season already surpassing Torres' tally in the same period last season.
Torres was known for his electrifying pace and ability to beat defenders on the counter-attack, qualities that Ekitike possesses in spades. The French forward has also shown himself to be a threat from set pieces, with two of his goals coming from corners and free kicks.
Ekitike's partnership with Wirtz is proving to be a winning formula for Liverpool, with the duo combining to create scoring opportunities and cause chaos in the opposition's box. As the season wears on, it will be interesting to see how this partnership continues to develop, and whether Ekitike can become a permanent fixture in Klopp's starting lineup.
For Newcastle, however, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, and one that will leave them feeling frustrated and disappointed. The club had high hopes of signing Ekitike last summer, but were ultimately unsuccessful. This latest defeat only serves to heighten those feelings, and it remains to be seen whether the Magpies can mount a comeback in their bid for promotion.
In the end, it was Ekitike who proved to be the difference maker on the pitch, scoring twice and assisting his side's cause with two other goals. The French forward has proven himself to be a top-class player, and one who will be causing trouble for defenders in the coming weeks and months.
As for Torres' comparison, Gerrard acknowledged that Ekitike reminds him of his former team-mate, citing his speed, skill and finishing ability as key similarities between the two players. Whether Ekitike can become a Liverpool legend like Torres remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he has already made himself a fan favourite at Anfield.
Ekitike's partnership with Eintracht Frankfurt team-mate Florian Wirtz has been impressive, with the duo combining for six goals in all competitions so far this season. The two strikers have formed a deadly understanding on the pitch, and their friendship off it is beginning to bear fruit.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was disappointed with his side's performance, acknowledging that Ekitike was "outstanding" and "a little bit of everything". The Magpies had hoped to sign Ekitike in the summer, but were unsuccessful. This latest defeat has been a tough pill to swallow for Newcastle fans, who are still reeling from the club's relegation to the Championship last season.
For Liverpool, the win was a welcome boost after a run of draws that had seen them sit in mid-table. The Reds' victory has moved them up to third place in the Premier League table, and they will be looking to build on this momentum as they head into their next fixture.
The similarity between Ekitike's performances and Torres' is striking, with both players possessing a similar combination of speed, skill and finishing ability. However, Ekitike has so far proven himself to be a more clinical finisher than his predecessor, with 15 goals in all competitions this season already surpassing Torres' tally in the same period last season.
Torres was known for his electrifying pace and ability to beat defenders on the counter-attack, qualities that Ekitike possesses in spades. The French forward has also shown himself to be a threat from set pieces, with two of his goals coming from corners and free kicks.
Ekitike's partnership with Wirtz is proving to be a winning formula for Liverpool, with the duo combining to create scoring opportunities and cause chaos in the opposition's box. As the season wears on, it will be interesting to see how this partnership continues to develop, and whether Ekitike can become a permanent fixture in Klopp's starting lineup.
For Newcastle, however, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, and one that will leave them feeling frustrated and disappointed. The club had high hopes of signing Ekitike last summer, but were ultimately unsuccessful. This latest defeat only serves to heighten those feelings, and it remains to be seen whether the Magpies can mount a comeback in their bid for promotion.
In the end, it was Ekitike who proved to be the difference maker on the pitch, scoring twice and assisting his side's cause with two other goals. The French forward has proven himself to be a top-class player, and one who will be causing trouble for defenders in the coming weeks and months.
As for Torres' comparison, Gerrard acknowledged that Ekitike reminds him of his former team-mate, citing his speed, skill and finishing ability as key similarities between the two players. Whether Ekitike can become a Liverpool legend like Torres remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he has already made himself a fan favourite at Anfield.