Hugo Ekitike Joins Liverpool Legend in History Books with Feat Not Achieved for 48 Years

In a historic moment for Liverpool FC, French striker Hugo Ekitike has equaled an extraordinary record set by club legend Kenny Dalglish, becoming only the second player to score in five different competitions during his debut season—a feat last achieved in the 1977-78 season.[1][3]

The milestone came during Liverpool's dominant 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup at Anfield on Monday night. Ekitike, returning from a short injury layoff, entered as a substitute in the second half and netted a crucial goal, revitalizing the Reds' attack and securing his place in the club's storied history.[1][3][5]

With this strike, Ekitike has now scored in the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, FA Community Shield, and FA Cup. This versatility showcases his ability to deliver in high-stakes matches across various tournaments, mirroring Dalglish's achievements nearly 50 years ago in the league, European Cup, FA Cup, League Cup, and European Super Cup.[1][3]

Manager Arne Slot's cautious approach—starting Ekitike on the bench amid a congested January schedule—proved wise, as the forward's impact was immediate and decisive. Opta analyst Michael Reid confirmed the record, highlighting Ekitike's rapid integration into the squad since his summer arrival.[3]

The win also featured standout performances from players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong, ensuring Liverpool's progression in the cup. While Dalglish's season ended with European Cup glory, Ekitike aims to build on this momentum for trophy success by May. His debut campaign stats underscore a promising start on Merseyside, with fans and pundits drawing parallels to the iconic Scot.[1][7]

(Word count: 298)