Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike reveals what he learned from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in his quest to become the world’s best striker

The Liverpool forward has enjoyed a brilliant debut season in England since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer in a deal valued at £79m.

Ekitike has scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 38 games so far.

His form caught the attention of French manager Didier Deschamps, who gave the 23-year-old his international debut ahead of this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Things are going well for the forward and speaking to TNT Sports expert Owen Hargreaves, Ekitike feels he has the ability to become the best striker in the world.

“I think I can, I think I can,” he insisted. “There is room for improvement and I have to work harder and progress, but obviously I am where I wanted to be and here I am.

Ekitike reveals ‘great things’ he learned from Messi, Neymar and Mbappe at PSG

Video credit: TNT Sports

“When I say I’m not afraid of anything, it’s like I’m not afraid of pressure. People have expectations of me and I actually love it.

“For me, it’s very exciting to come here and play a big game, a big tournament. I always wanted to be there and play in a game like this for a big club.”

A big part of Ekitike’s development was playing alongside “the greatest player in the history of football” Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, as well as current Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé and Brazilian legend Neymar.

Although Ekitike found it difficult to keep up with the iconic trio, he admitted that the experience of playing and training with them was “exactly what I needed at the time”.

“I can’t lie, it was difficult to get on the pitch and do what they are doing at the same level,” he told TNT Sports.

Neymar, Ekitike and Messi playing for PSG.

Image credit: Getty Images

“I don’t think I’ve reached that level yet. It was about learning, training and seeing a lot of great things on the pitch.

It wasn’t just skills; I learned how to move without the ball, how to touch the ball, how to score goals, and confidence in the game.

“Looking back, it wasn’t a great time for me[at PSG]but I think that’s what I needed at the time. I learned a lot and I’m very grateful to be with such great players.”

“It’s a great picture to hang in the house because I played with some of the greatest players in the history of soccer. It was great.”

Ekitike: Worts help me “shine”

Ekitike is currently linked with Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz, who together with the Frenchman became a big hit for the club in the summer transfer window.

German star Wirtz moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield in a deal reportedly worth £116 million, as Liverpool promised the biggest transfer fee in English history at the time.

“He can make you shine” – Ekitique on Wirtz’s ability to “make things easier” for his teammates.

Video credit: TNT Sports

The 22-year-old struggled at first, but gradually started to find his footing in the Premier League under manager Arne Slott and is now enjoying his football, contributing 13 goals.

“I think he’s the player I want to play with the most on this team,” Ekitike said of his teammate.

“I like the other players too, but when you play as a striker and you have a number 10 who understands football very well and wants to play the same football as you, it makes things easier.

“I told him that if we played together we could do great things. I said if he gives me the ball, I give it back and something will happen.

“I really enjoy playing with him and I know he’s a player who will give me a lot of assists throughout the season. It’s great to have a player on your side who can make you shine.”