'Smells football': Hugo Ekitike names the Liverpool player who 'speaks the same language of football' as him

Liverpool, January 17, 2026 – Rising star Hugo Ekitike has singled out a fellow Liverpool forward as the teammate who truly understands his playing style, describing their connection as speaking the "same language of football."

In an exclusive interview with Rousing the Kop, the French striker, who joined Liverpool last summer and has already notched 11 goals this season, praised Darwin Núñez for their instinctive on-pitch chemistry. "Darwin and I, we smell football the same way," Ekitike said, using the vivid phrase to illustrate their shared intuition for runs, timings, and finishing. "It's like we don't need words – we just know where the other will be."

Ekitike's comments come amid Liverpool's impressive unbeaten run in the Premier League, despite recent frustrating draws, including a goalless stalemate against Leeds United on New Year's Day. The 23-year-old reflected on the team's resilience, emphasizing the need to convert dominance into wins ahead of upcoming fixtures like the clash with Fulham.

"It's a lesson from Leeds. They parked the bus, but we take the positives and go to Fulham to show we can always improve. Unbeaten is good, but winning is everything."

The forward also addressed Alexander Isak's injury misfortune since joining the club, expressing sympathy but affirming his readiness to step up. "Injuries happen, but I do everything to be fit and available. Whether I score or assist, the goal is team victories," he stated, echoing sentiments from his recent Liverpoolfc.com interview.

Fans have buzzed about Ekitike's synergy with Núñez, evident in their link-up play during the 12 January win over Burnley, where Ekitike scored. With Liverpool pushing for silverware, this partnership could prove pivotal. "Darwin speaks my language on the pitch – it's fascinating," Ekitike added, hinting at more goals to come.

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