Hugo Ekitike won a lot of praise for his performance in Liverpool’s win over Newcastle United in the Premier League
Hugo Ekitike has a message for Newcastle fans during Liverpool’s 4-1 win at Anfield (Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike gestured to Newcastle United fans at the scoreline after scoring twice in Liverpool’s victory on Saturday night. The France international scored a quick-fire goal in the first half to help the Reds win 4-1 in the top-flight match at Anfield.
Ekitike joined Liverpool last summer from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79 million and scored his 14th and 15th goals of the season in the win over Newcastle.
The France international was linked with a move to St James’ Park, but instead moved to Anfield, where he played a key role in Liverpool’s victory on Merseyside.
Ekitike scored twice to seal the win, with Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate also scoring, as Liverpool moved up to fifth place.
read more: Alexander Isak’s Hugo Ekitike reaction speaks volumes as Liverpool star surprises Newcastleread more: Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate breaks down in tears after scoring against Newcastle
Ekitike came on as a substitute in the 84th minute of the match and was seen on the touchline making a “3-1” gesture to the Newcastle fans, reflecting the scoreline at the time.
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Seconds later, Ekitike returned to the bench and was seen celebrating in front of Liverpool fans.
Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle prompted questions about how close Ekitike was to a move to Tyneside rather than Merseyside in the summer, and the 23-year-old has already given a clear answer to the summer speculation.
“Yeah, obviously we were close[to joining Newcastle],” Ekitike said after Liverpool’s Champions League win over Qarabag earlier in the week.
“I don’t care. I’m playing for Liverpool and I don’t care about that. I just want to play and help the team. It’s simple.”
“Obviously I was close[to signing for Newcastle]but I made my choice. I knew where I wanted to go and that’s all I can tell you.
“The support of the Liverpool fans means a lot. I play for them. They give me so much energy.”
Hugo Ekitike scores two goals for Liverpool against Newcastle United (Image: Kate McShane/Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard was quick to praise Ekitike after he scored his second goal in Liverpool’s game against Newcastle.
The Reds legend explained why Ekitike’s performance reminded him of former Anfield teammate Fernando Torres.
“This is all about Ekitike. It’s like Torres. He just puts it out with his feet,” Gerrard told TNT Sport while analyzing Ekitike’s second goal for Liverpool.
“Every time I see him, I think of a player called Torres. He scores the same type of goals, so if you give him space in the channels, he will do it.”
“He’s too fast, he can’t be caught, and he’s deadly.”
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