Djibril Cissé on Hugo Ekitike’s move to Liverpool: ‘He would’ve been crazy not to go’ | OneFootball

Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cissé has backed Hugo Ekitike (22) to succeed at Anfield following his high-profile move from Eintracht Frankfurt, insisting the forward has rediscovered the confidence that deserted him during a frustrating spell at Paris Saint-Germain. “He would’ve been crazy not to go,” said Cissé in an interview with L’Équipe. “Now he has to perform.”Ekitike joins the Premier League champions in a deal worth up to €90m, having scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists for Frankfurt last season. Cissé won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and remains the club’s highest-scoring French player (24 goals) and believes the former Reims striker provides something a bit different up front for the Reds. “In his profile he is a bit of a ‘target man’, like Peter Crouch — he’s the only one in the squad,” added Cissé. However, the former France international has warned that the Premier League’s rhythm could prove Ekitike’s biggest hurdle. “In Germany, he might have had more time to express himself. In England, the intensity will shock him. At Arsenal or Chelsea, the French really left a mark. At Liverpool, maybe some came too young or weren’t ready. But one day, one of us will break through and set the tone.”GFFN | George Boxall