Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cissé has publicly supported Liverpool's high-profile signing of French forward Hugo Ekitike but issued a caution regarding his adaptation period. Cissé compared Ekitike's playing style to that of Peter Crouch, describing him as a "target man" and suggesting that Ekitike brings a unique dimension to Liverpool’s frontline. However, he emphasized that fans and the club should not expect Ekitike to immediately become a guaranteed starter given the competition from established players such as Mohamed Salah.
Cissé highlighted the significant challenge that the Premier League’s intensity and physicality pose for Ekitike, noting it as the biggest hurdle for the young striker. He mentioned that while Ekitike may find it easier to adjust in other leagues like Germany, the English game is a different level in terms of pace and impact, requiring time and patience for full adaptation.
He praised Ekitike’s development since leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Stade de Reims, stating the forward is not the same player he was at PSG and has shown considerable improvement. Cissé also acknowledged the substantial financial investment Liverpool made—around £79 million—and warned that this creates pressure on the player, mirroring concerns from other former players about the burden of a big transfer fee.
Nonetheless, Cissé remains optimistic, believing that the Liverpool coaching staff can utilize Ekitike’s abilities effectively and that with proper adjustment time, the player can justify the club’s faith in him. He suggested a patient approach to managing expectations, considering the transition required for a young talent stepping into the demanding environment of the Premier League.
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