The Merseyside derby at Anfield ended in drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments, as Liverpool edged past Everton with a 2-1 victory. But beyond the scoreline, the biggest talking point came from the words of Everton’s head coach, who openly admitted that Hugo Ekitike was the player who shocked him the most on the pitch.
Speaking after the final whistle, the Everton boss confessed:
“He Ekitike really gave my defenders a tough time today. It has been quite a long time since I encountered such a dangerously aggressive player like him.”
That statement has since gone viral, with both Liverpool and neutral fans agreeing that the young forward delivered one of his finest performances in a Liverpool shirt. Known for his strength, flair, and direct running, Ekitike showed qualities that not only rattled Everton’s backline but also set Anfield alight.
From the very first whistle, Ekitike looked unstoppable—bulldozing his way past defenders, pressing relentlessly, and creating openings for teammates. At times, Everton’s back four seemed completely overwhelmed by his physicality and clever movement. His ability to hold up the ball, turn quickly, and run at defenders injected a new kind of energy into Liverpool’s attack.
The most remarkable moment, however, came when Ekitike’s name echoed around Anfield after a breathtaking sequence of play. Even the Everton away fans, usually hostile at Anfield, were seen applauding his effort—a rare standing ovation that showed just how impactful his performance was.
For Liverpool manager Arne Slot, this was a vindication of faith. Many questioned whether Ekitike had what it takes to handle the intensity of a Merseyside derby, but the forward silenced critics with a display that combined raw power, confidence, and intelligence. Slot praised him after the game, saying:
“He played like a man possessed. That’s the kind of energy and passion we want in our attack.”
Fans across social media are now buzzing, with many calling Ekitike Liverpool’s “secret weapon” in their title race. Others have gone as far as to compare him with some of Europe’s most feared strikers, insisting he has finally announced himself on the Premier League stage.
This derby may have ended 2-1 in Liverpool’s favor, but the real victory came in the form of Ekitike’s arrival as a force to be reckoned with.
EVEN THE AWAY FANS GAVE HIM A STANDING OVATION AFTER THE DERBY.