Hugo Ekitike has quickly made a name for himself at Liverpool, but the real test is just beginning for this young French striker.

Stepping into the shoes of big-money signings at Liverpool is never easy, yet Ekitike's immediate impact is nothing short of remarkable. He made history by becoming the first Liverpool player since Daniel Sturridge in 2013 to net in his first three appearances, scoring a crucial goal in the thrilling 3-2 Premier League victory against Newcastle.

For context, legends like Fernando Torres and recent signings like Darwin Nunez took several games just to match this feat – showcasing just how impressive Ekitike's start has been.

His arrival comes at a pivotal time for Liverpool, especially with the departures of Nunez and Luis Diaz, while Florian Wirtz aims to step up as a primary playmaker. The team is also grappling with the emotional loss of Diogo Jota last month.

Adding to the intrigue, Liverpool is eyeing a hefty £100 million deal for Alexander Isak, who could pose a challenge for Ekitike’s desired position.

Despite these hurdles, Ekitike’s performances have been promising. While he has yet to complete a full match, his potential is undeniable as the Reds look to bolster their attack further.

With a £79 million price tag from Eintracht Frankfurt, Liverpool views Ekitike as a versatile forward capable of playing in various attacking roles. The young striker has already assisted Cody Gakpo, but his pass completion rate of 57% indicates he has room for improvement.

However, it’s early days in an evolving Liverpool side. Former Reds star Djibril Cisse, who knows all about the pressure of being a high-profile signing, expressed his excitement about Ekitike in an exclusive interview. ‘As a fellow Frenchman and striker, I’m thrilled to see what he can do this season,’ Cisse shared.

He added, ‘I was initially worried about his playing time, but his early contributions have reassured me. A season tally of 10 to 15 goals would be an excellent start for him at such a prestigious club.’

Despite Ekitike’s impressive form, he did not make the France squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged his potential but noted the competition is fierce.

With no international disruptions, Ekitike has a golden opportunity to further settle into Liverpool as they prepare for a showdown against Arsenal this Sunday. For now, he holds the key role at Anfield, and it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop.