Hugo Ekitike has just been given a big extra incentive to make sure he downs Newcastle tomorrow - opinion
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Newcastle await Liverpool in a huge game at St James’ Park on bank holiday Monday.
The Reds may only be one game into their title defence but their next match could just be one of their trickiest of the season.
Isak could have been a Liverpool player by now but for many reasons, this is not the case, meaning that Hugo Ekitike will lead the line for the Reds on Monday.
This game is a big one for the Frenchman too as he opted for a move to Anfield instead of Newcastle earlier in the summer, suggesting he might get a more hostile reception than most.
He will not care too much, however, and in fact, he will be more up for this game than before as he might be rewarded with a career first if he performs well.
Photo by Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Since arriving at Liverpool, Ekitike has certainly made a good impression and shone in both pre-season and their opening game against Bournemouth.
He looks much more than ‘just’ a striker and fans are warming to him already, with his performances being rewarded with strong praise.
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And, if he plays well against Newcastle, he might just be rewarded further with a call-up to the France national team for the very first time as according to French outlet Telefoot, he is on the verge of making his first appearance.
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They report that Didier Deschamps is currently undecided whether he will call the 23-year-old up or not, with the manager set to make his final decision on Wednesday.
Ekitike is reportedly in a strong position so a good performance against Newcastle might just be enough to sway Deschamps and play a part in France’s World Cup qualifiers.
He is said to also be ‘better-placed’ than Randal Kolo-Muani due to his current transfer saga which has meant he is yet to play a game this season.
Not only is this a huge game for Liverpool, but it is also a big game for Ekitike for many different reasons.
With everything going on with Isak, he may feel a little frustrated that he is not seen as the perfect candidate to lead the line, with St James’ Park the perfect place to prove he is indeed the best.
As well as this, after costing up to £79m, Liverpool fans will be hoping he is a big-game player, with this, again, his best chance to show his worth.
It might only be gameweek two but this one feels crucial to the Reds’ season, and a win here might just give them the confidence they need to take on Arsenal at Anfield the following week.