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The TNT Sports expert noted that the Frenchman’s teammates are ‘looking even more for him’ during the Merseysiders’ Premier League match with Sunderland.
Arne Slot’s men visit the Stadium of Light after the disappointing 2-1 defeat against Manchester City last weekend.
Hugo Ekitike has become central for Liverpool
Cole claimed he could see Ekitike ‘grow in stature’ at Liverpool, with the Frenchman more than making up for the over-boiling Mo Salah.
“Every time I look at Hugo Ekitike, it seems like the team is looking for him even more,” the former Chelsea star spoke further TNT Sports reporting.
“He is growing in stature. With Mo Salah not quite there yet, Liverpool are constantly looking for Ekitike.”
In fairness, the former Eintracht Frankfurt hitman has been a key contributor to the Reds in recent weeks, with eight goals in his last nine Premier League appearances.
Of course, it’s worth emphasizing that the 23-year-old has excelled, thanks in no small part to his budding on-pitch relationship with fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz.
Hugo Ekitike has already teamed up with Florian Wirtz for as many goals as any other teammate in his career so far 🇫🇷🇩🇪
A special connection is created 🔗✨ pic.twitter.com/Z2RsaNuqpM
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) February 2, 2026
Keep in mind this is the same Wirtz who experts say is still getting used to the physical demands of English football. Just imagine how scary this partnership will look at full throttle!
What do the stats say about Hugo Ekitike’s first half against Sunderland?
Bank score Hugo Ekitike notes that he recorded a performance of 6.5/10 against Sunderland in the first half.
| Hugo Ekitike’s first half stats against Sunderland |
| 1 shot (0 on target) |
| 18 touches |
| 1/2 dribble completed |
| 1 recovery |
| 1/4 ground duels completed |
| 1/1 aerial duel(s) completed |
*Hugo Ekitike’s stats for Liverpool vs Sunderland (Sofascore)
The statistics do not exactly paint a picture of a player who performs dominantly against the men of Regis Le Bris.
It goes without saying, of course, that such statistical evidence does not always take into account the complexity of movements on the pitch and the way his relationship with Wirtz helps take men out of position.
Given the prolonged pressure Liverpool enjoyed in the second half of the first 45, it was feels as if a goal is coming in.
And we strongly suspect that one of Hugo Ekitike or our Germany international will be the one to put the visitors ahead.
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