Hugo Ekitike can Solve a 14-year Problem at Liverpool – Journalist | OneFootball

Can Hugo Ekitike Finally Fill Liverpool’s No 9 Void?

It has been over a decade since Liverpool had a No 9 that truly embodied the role with consistency, grace and goals. Fernando Torres remains the last of that kind. “The player in red with an illustrious number printed on his back is Fernando Torres,” writes Simon Hughes in The Athletic, recalling his brace at Molineux in 2011.

Since then, the shirt has weighed heavily. Carroll, Aspas, Lambert, Benteke – names that promised much but delivered little in comparison. Aspas, for example, “barely played, and when he did, he scored only once: against third-tier Oldham Athletic in a third-round FA Cup tie in 2014.”

The signing of Hugo Ekitike, expected to cost Liverpool up to £79 million, could finally end this long-running saga. But can he shoulder the pressure and deliver like Torres once did?

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Tactical Evolution Post-Torres

The club’s evolution in recent years means the No 9 role has morphed significantly. Firmino redefined it, not with goals, but guile. “Rather than putting the finishing touches to Liverpool’s moves, he was instead an orchestrator,” Hughes writes. Suarez and Sturridge, too, thrived in the gaps rather than operating as classic poachers.

Even with Arne Slot’s title-winning side, the position remained fluid. Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz rotated roles. Jota was perhaps the closest to a pure No 9. Jamie Carragher called him “the best finisher at the club ahead of even Mohamed Salah.” Yet none were truly signed to play centrally.

Slot, in his own words, favours “multi-functional” forwards. But the reality is simple. An £80 million striker who “scored 15 Bundesliga goals last season” while playing centrally will be judged on how often he puts the ball in the net.

Ekitike’s Profile and the No 9 Curse

Ekitike, fresh off a productive season at Eintracht Frankfurt, is not a Firmino-style creator. “He is leaner and quicker, the sort of striker to play off the shoulder of the last defender.” His style draws closer comparisons to Torres, or even Sturridge in his prime.

His potential shirt number remains a discussion point. It is likely the No 9 will only become available once Darwin Nunez exits. Rickie Lambert once admitted the pressure of the jersey. “Everyone relied on him, especially after Suarez’s departure.” It’s not just about playing well, but living up to the memories of Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler and Torres.

Slot’s challenge is to help Ekitike thrive under that spotlight, not shrink under it.

Hopes High as Slot Builds for Second Season

Liverpool have learned from past recruitment mistakes. Ekitike’s profile suggests they now want a true centre-forward to lead the line. This is no experiment. It is a signal of intent.

If he can combine the ruthless finishing Torres brought with the work ethic required in Slot’s system, Liverpool may finally have their man.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s real excitement around this. After so many years of watching strikers try and fail to fill that No 9 shirt, Hugo Ekitike feels different. He’s got pace, he’s direct, and he has that knack of being in the right place at the right time. Fifteen Bundesliga goals for Frankfurt isn’t to be sniffed at, especially in a league known for its attacking pace and physicality.

Ekitike could be the final piece of the puzzle for Arne Slot. He’s already won the Premier League without a settled striker, which makes this addition even more mouth-watering. What happens when this Liverpool side has a reliable focal point? Imagine Salah running off him, Jota and Diaz feeding off scraps, and Szoboszlai threading passes into his feet.

There’s something about the way Ekitike moves that screams Torres. Maybe it’s too soon for comparisons, but the fans will take hope where they can. After years of watching square pegs in round holes, there’s real optimism that this one fits.

The No 9 shirt? If he gets it, let’s hope he wears it like a badge of honour, not a burden.