Hugo Ekitike gets ruthless verdict from French media after first start for France

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Mirror or go back to LFC Live.

French media have given their verdict on Hugo Ekitike after the Liverpool striker made his first start for France against Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifyingHugo Ekitike received a harsh rating from French media after failing to replicate his fine form for Liverpool in the international arena. Ekitike has settled quickly at Anfield since his summer switch from Eintracht Frankfurt, with only a needless red card against Southampton in the Carabao Cup - for whipping off his shirt in celebration - tarring his record.Those impressive displays earned him his maiden senior call-ups from France manager Didier Deschamps last month.

Following cameo appearances off the bench against Ukraine and Iceland, Ekitike was given a starting berth for Friday's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, lining up alongside Kylian Mbappe in attack.Mbappe netted for the 10th consecutive match and bagged his 13th goal in 14 outings this campaign as France cruised to a 3-0 victory. Speaking back in August, following his maiden call-up, the World Cup-winning captain and manager said: "Hugo, because of what he did last season and at Liverpool, we were already following him at Frankfurt."Good for him.

The 2022 runners-up wrap up their Group D fixtures in November when they welcome Ukraine before travelling to Azerbaijan.Before then, Ekitike will be aiming to reclaim his spot in the Reds' starting XI over fellow new signing Alexander Isak after being benched for the 2-1 loss at Chelsea.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.