Liverpool’s search for a new striker looks likely to end in the arrival of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Reds have been on the lookout for a number nine all summer, having accepted that Darwin Nunez is never going to be the answer.

Liverpool had targeted Alexander Isak as their number one choice, but with Newcastle United desperate to keep hold of Isak, the Reds have looked down the list.

Ekitike is still a fantastic option for Liverpool, with the French striker having been one of the most prolific forwards in Europe last season.

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Ekitike scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists for Eintracht, announcing himself as a candidate to take over the starting spot at Liverpool.

But while his goal scoring and creation speaks for itself, it has been claimed that there is another, somewhat hidden attribute of Ekitike’s which Arne Slot is going to love.

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While Liverpool fans have been flocking to watch compilations of Ekitike, they will likely have been struck by just how graceful the 23-year-old is with the ball at his feet.

But, according to Bundesliga expert and journalist Archie Rhind-Tutt, Ekitike also gets through plenty of work off the ball.

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“I just want to credit another part of his game, sure he’s good on the ball, but off the ball as well, there are so many occasions where I remember him picking a defender’s pocket, out of nowhere” Rhind-Tutt told ESPN FC.

READ MORE: Whether Liverpool will try again for Alexander Isak in the future if they sign Hugo Ekitike

“It’s that kind of work-rate that he’ll be valued for by Arne Slot, amongst other things, because he’s proven that he’s not just a striker whose brain is only on when his team has the ball, he’s also thinking about, ‘ok, how can I influence the game, how am I reading the game when it’s not in our hands?’

“I think that for the modern striker, that’s crucial.”

The Bundesliga has been one of Liverpool’s favourite places to shop in the past decade, and that has continued apace this summer.

Ekitike will become the third German-based player to arrive if he does join, following Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz.

And according to Rhind-Tutt, all three will contribute to making Liverpool even more dangerous.

“I think just looking at that Liverpool team for next season, my eyes just widen at the possibilities there,” he said.

“To have someone with the speed of thought that Florian Wirtz has, with all the tricks up his sleeve, and Hugo Ekitike as well, who’s also capable of an instinctual, inspirational moment.

“It means that from a Liverpool point of view, if teams sit back against them, which they will do, with those players they’ve brought in from the Bundesliga, it’s going to be a very difficult job.”

Frimpong has already displayed his ridiculous pace, and Liverpool fans will now be more excited than ever to see the other two Bundesliga boys get to work.
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