Something Has Changed for Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool, 'Now I'm Sure'

Hugo Ekitike's integration at Liverpool has reached a turning point, with the French striker's recent form signaling a newfound confidence and team synergy, as evidenced by his Player of the Month award for December[3]. Despite mounting injury concerns ahead of a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal, Ekitike's impact has reshaped optimism around Liverpool's attack under manager Arne Slot[1][2].

Ekitike, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in a high-profile summer deal pushing Liverpool's spending past €300 million alongside signings like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong[4], has emerged as the Reds' top scorer with 11 goals and two assists in 26 appearances this season[2][3]. His December haul of five goals and one assist across six games was pivotal in maintaining an unbeaten league run after earlier struggles, including a Champions League win at Inter that boosted squad morale[3]. "It feels great... It has been a really good month for me and for the team," Ekitike shared post-award, emphasizing collective wins over personal accolades[3]. He admitted room for growth—"I could score more and give more assists"—while expressing deep satisfaction at Anfield: "I feel really good here... I really enjoy being here with all my teammates[3]."

However, timing clouds his momentum. Ekitike is an injury doubt for Thursday's trip to leaders Arsenal, having missed Sunday's 2-2 draw at Fulham due to a slight muscle issue[1][2][5]. Slot remains cautious: "He hasn't trained with us up until now... He is in-between maybe training with the team or it maybe taking him one or two days extra[1][2]." With Alexander Isak sidelined by a leg fracture and Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot may rely on Cody Gakpo up top, despite Liverpool trailing Arsenal by 14 points and enduring recent draws amid a nine-game unbeaten streak[1][2].

Slot praised the squad's talent: "If everyone's available and ready, then I think we can do special things[1][2]." Ekitike's words and form suggest a quiet shift—belief is returning, even as fitness tests loom. This evolution positions him as central to Liverpool's title push, confirming the article's assured tone[3].

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