French legend Thierry Henry has given a glowing review of Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, praising the youngster’s resilience and ability to bounce back after early career struggles.

Henry reflected on Ekitike’s journey, from bursting onto the scene at Reims, to a difficult spell at PSG during the Messi-Neymar-Mbappé era, and then reigniting his career in Germany alongside Omar Marmoush. Despite setbacks, Ekitike rediscovered his scoring touch and is now thriving at Liverpool.

“I’m not surprised at all,” Henry said. “He’s answered the call, and I’m happy to see him back on track. At Liverpool, he’s already scoring goals, and what makes him special is that he can finish in the box but also run on the counter with pace. That gives the coach so many options.”

While noting Ekitike’s versatility, Henry was firm on his best role:
“For me, he’s a No.9. Liverpool already have wingers; what they needed was that striker. Yes, he can play wide, but you don’t ask Alan Shearer to play on the wing, right? He’s a nine.”

With Arne Slot now tasked with unlocking his full potential, Henry believes Liverpool may have found their long-term centre-forward solution.