Hugo Ekitike has just caused new Liverpool dilemma but Didier Deschamps claim speaks volumes

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Hugo Ekitike returned to scoring form for France during the November international break to earn the praise of Didier Deschamps - but Arne Slot still faces a dilemma in attack back at LiverpoolWhile the majority of Liverpool’s summer signings are yet to prove their worth for the Reds as Arne Slot’s side continue to endure a below-par campaign, Hugo Ekitike remains the one exception following his move to Anfield.The 23-year-old joined the reigning Premier League champions in a deal worth up to £79m from Eintracht Frankfurt, snubbing interest from the likes of Newcastle United and Manchester United in the process.Making an immediate impact, he scored on his debut in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, before returning a goal and an assist on his maiden Premier League appearance against AFC Bournemouth.READ MORE: I left Liverpool to join Aston Villa - I know Harvey Elliott's problem and what must happen nextREAD MORE: Liverpool could lose Mohamed Salah earlier than hoped as crunch AFCON talks continueThen netting against Newcastle United, Ekitike became the first Liverpool player to score in their first three outings for the club since Daniel Sturridge in 2013, with such form also earning him a first international call-up and debut for France.Following the September international break, he scored the winner on his Merseyside derby debut against Everton. But with the Reds’ form quickly souring, even the in-form Frenchman has found things a little harder over the past two months.His Liverpool record now stands at six goals and an assist from 16 appearances, with a well-taken strike against former club Frankfurt last month his only effort since being sent off for his celebration after netting the winner against Southampton at the end of September.But he returned to scoring form in eye-catching fashion during the November international break when coming off the bench to score his first goal for France in a 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine.Receiving the ball inside his own half on the left flank, the forward burst forward in-field as he sprinted away from three defenders before evading a fourth by playing a one-two with Kylian Mbappe and then finishing well first-time from inside the area.Coming in his fifth international appearance, he earned the praise of head coach Didier Deschamps in the process."Has he turned a corner?

He's happy, he's doing very well, he wants to play.“They all have an interest in making the most of their playing time, and that was the case for him on Thursday.”With Deschamps naming a much-changed side against Azerbaijan, Ekitike was handed only his second start for France as he was selected on the left-wing. Completing the full 90 minutes for his country for the first time, he was unable to get on the scoresheet but again earned his manager’s praise after a 3-1 win.“Hugo Ekitike is also gaining confidence,” Deschamps said.

“He's a young player, with a lot of dynamism.“He was able to express himself with his stamina to get around the pitch as well as his ability to penetrate with his speed. But should he build on his promising start to his Reds career, he will be in a good position to cement his place on the flight to Canada, Mexico and the United States next summer.Admittedly, Liverpool’s recent form has not aided the forward.