Hugo Ekitike trait on display vs Wolves earns ‘impressive’ verdict from Liverpool fans
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Liverpool fans appreciated the efforts of Hugo Ekitike away from the 18-yard box during their Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.Arne Slot made one change to the starting line-up that beat West Ham United 5-2 on Saturday afternoon.Jeremie Frimpong was given his first start since January after impressing off the bench, and his presence was expected to give Liverpool a boost. Morrison and Ngumoha impact off the bench?Credit: Kate McShane/Getty Images Liverpool fans praise Hugo Ekitike’s transition play vs WolvesThe Reds kicked off the clash fairly well, but as has become common in early parts of their games, especially away from home, they struggled to carve out too many clear-cut chances.However, Hugo Ekitike did his best to do so, often picking up the ball from deep and making runs into the Wolves box, which caught the eye of Liverpool fans during the match.Many praised the Frenchman for his transition play and ball-carrying ability, with one writing: “What a run from Ekitike.
He’s such a good player in transition.”“Hugo Ekitike my word. Unstoppable,” commented another after he picked the ball up and took it up the field to set up Jeremie Frimpong, who skied his effort over.Another praised the striker, though suggested he is having to do too much himself: “Ekitike pressing by himself and running counter attacks by himself but people ask why he doesn’t score in big games, hmmm, I wonder maybe we’re completely dysfunctional.”A fourth echoed: “That is absolutely superb from Ekitike, great run!
Poor finish, Frimpong.”Another wrote: “Frimpong with one of the worst shots I can remember there! Phenomenal work from Ekitike to get it to him in the first place.”A sixth stated: “Impressive work from Ekitike to take the ball from Liverpool’s half to inside Wolves’ 18 only for Frimpong to blast it into the third row.”Hugo Ekitike among Premier League strikers’ best dribblersWhile Ekitike is currently Liverpool’s top goalscorer this season, his work away from the six-yard box deserves much praise as well.Of every Premier League striker in the division right now, Ekitike ranked third for most successful dribbles per 90 prior to kick-off on Tuesday.Mathys Tel took top spot on Fotmob with 2.4 per match, while Brighton and Hove Albion’s Charalampos Kostoulas was joint first (2.4).Ekitke was managing 1.9 a game, with a success rate of 56.3%, which is much higher than Kostoulas’ 34.8%.Interestingly, even Florian Wirtz is behind Ekitike in the rankings, completing the second-most of any Liverpool player this term (1.6 per 90).Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox