Liverpool Fans Tip Hugo Ekitike for Left-Wing Role Amid Isak Pursuit
Liverpool supporters have made up their minds about Hugo Ekitike after his lively display against Athletic Bilbao — and it could shape the club’s attacking plans as the chase for Alexander Isak continues.
On Monday, Arne Slot’s men took on Bilbao in back-to-back friendlies ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield showdown with Crystal Palace. The first game, featuring academy talents like Rio Ngumoha, Ben Doak, and Trey Nyoni, ended in a 4–1 win. The second fixture saw Liverpool’s star names and new signings Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Ekitike take centre stage.
Ekitike — who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for up to £79 million — wasted no time making an impression. Linking up smartly with Mohamed Salah for the opener, the Frenchman latched onto a pinpoint pass from Dominik Szoboszlai, used a burst of pace to create space, and laid it off for Salah to finish with trademark composure.
Operating mainly from the left flank, the 23-year-old’s movement and dribbling troubled Bilbao’s defence. His 57-minute runout in a 3–2 victory left many fans convinced he could thrive as a left winger — the perfect foil for a central striker like Isak, should the Newcastle star make the move to Anfield.
Social media lit up with reactions:
“Ekitike can 100 percent play on the left if Isak joins btw.”
“Ekitike looks really good drifting to the left for me.”
“Ekitike – Isak – Salah… that’s a title-winning front three.”
However, some supporters cautioned that while Ekitike is dangerous in buildup play, he might not yet be the ruthless finisher Liverpool needs — explaining the club’s determination to invest heavily in Isak. Others questioned whether splashing the full budget on the Swede is necessary at all, given Ekitike’s early promise.
For his part, Ekitike has embraced his versatility. At his official unveiling, he said:
“I can do both – I can play alone and I like to play also with another striker.”
If Slot gets his wish, Liverpool could unleash a 2025/26 attacking trio of Ekitike on the left, Isak through the middle, and Salah on the right — a fearsome blend of pace, power, and precision aimed at defending their Premier League crown.
