Hugo Ekitike Makes Dream Premier League Debut as Liverpool’s New Striker Shines

When Hugo Ekitike walked out at Anfield for his first taste of Premier League football, few could have imagined just how quickly he would announce himself. Liverpool’s new French striker not only found the back of the net against Bournemouth but also teed up a goal for Cody Gakpo, marking the kind of debut that immediately makes supporters sit up and believe.

It was the kind of performance that instantly draws comparisons. For Liverpool fans with longer memories, there was an echo of Darwin Núñez — the Uruguayan who also delivered both a goal and an assist on his league debut back in 2022. But while Núñez’s Anfield career ultimately fizzled out, ending this summer with a move to Al-Hilal, the hope is that Ekitike’s story will follow a very different path.

Bad Omen or Bright Future? Hugo Ekitike Follows Darwin Nunez in Premier League Debut Impact

Ekitike’s first goal came at the perfect moment. Bournemouth had started brightly, looking to disrupt Arne Slot’s carefully crafted game plan, but the Frenchman’s calm finish settled the home crowd. A striker’s debut goal is always special, yet this one carried a little extra weight — a first glimpse of what Slot’s new-look Liverpool might look like in full flight.

In the second half, Ekitike showed there is more to his game than just scoring. Slipping a precise pass into Gakpo’s stride, he set up Liverpool’s second, underlining his intelligence and vision. It was the sort of unselfish play that immediately endears a new signing to the Anfield faithful.

The Kop responded in kind, chanting his name long before the final whistle. Yet Ekitike, speaking afterward, was quick to downplay the hype.

“I think it was a good performance. I could do better,” he told Sky Sports with a smile. “The most important thing tonight is the win and the mentality we showed. We wanted to win for the people who came tonight and for Diogo, and that’s what we did. I’m happy for everybody. I have so many things to do better. I helped the team as much as I could. I can do a lot of things. I think I will get better and do even more for this team.”

Those words will have resonated well with both manager and fans — a clear signal that Liverpool’s new striker is not about to rest on one flashy performance.

A Rollercoaster Opening Day

Liverpool Hugo Ekitike 2025

While Ekitike may have stolen the spotlight, the match itself was anything but straightforward. Bournemouth, underlined by the tireless running of Antoine Semenyo, twice found a way back into the contest. His brace ensured Liverpool never had the luxury of relaxing, and for long stretches, the visitors threatened to turn Anfield nerves into genuine panic.

In the end, it took late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah to finally put daylight between the sides. That ruthless edge — the ability to keep scoring even when rattled — is exactly what Slot will want to see throughout the season.

Still, conceding twice at home on opening day will give the Dutch manager plenty to mull over. His Liverpool side looked electric in attack but less convincing at the back, a balance that must be addressed quickly if they are to sustain a title challenge.

Lessons from the Darwin Nunez Chapter

It was inevitable that Ekitike’s instant impact would be linked to Núñez’s. Back in 2022, the Uruguayan’s debut against Fulham created a wave of excitement, only for inconsistency and poor finishing to plague his time in red. The transfer fee, the pressure, and the lack of patience all combined to make his Premier League adventure short-lived.

Ekitike, though, seems determined to carve out a different legacy. While Núñez was all raw energy and chaos, the Frenchman’s game already looks more refined. His calmness in front of goal, his ability to link play, and his willingness to graft for the team suggest a player who might fit Slot’s tactical blueprint perfectly.

That said, the Premier League can be an unforgiving place. One dazzling debut does not guarantee long-term success. The real test will come in the weeks ahead, as opponents learn his tendencies and defenders aim to rough him up in ways Ligue 1 never quite could.

Next Stop: St. James’ Park

Liverpool’s next assignment is as brutal as they come — an away trip to Newcastle on August 25. St. James’ Park has quickly become one of the league’s toughest venues, with Eddie Howe’s side feeding off the passion of their home crowd.

For Ekitike, it will be a different kind of examination. Against Bournemouth, he thrived with space and attacking momentum. At Newcastle, he is likely to face a physical duel with Sven Botman and Fabian Schär, as well as the intimidating roar of 50,000 Geordies.

How he handles that atmosphere will say even more about his Premier League readiness than his bright debut.

The Bigger Picture for Liverpool

Beyond the individual storylines, Liverpool’s win carried wider significance. The opening weekend always sets the tone, and Slot will have been relieved to escape with three points against a spirited Bournemouth.

The attack already looks sharp, with Ekitike, Gakpo, Chiesa, and Salah combining well. If the defense can tighten up, Liverpool could quickly establish themselves as genuine title contenders again.

And then there is the psychological boost. Supporters have been craving a new talisman since the departures of Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino. Ekitike may not yet belong in that conversation, but he has shown enough in 90 minutes to suggest he could be more than just a fleeting headline.

Conclusion: A Promising Beginning, Not a Guarantee

For now, Hugo Ekitike can enjoy the moment. Scoring and assisting on your Premier League debut at Anfield is the stuff of dreams, and it ensures an instant bond with the supporters.

But Liverpool fans have seen this movie before. Darwin Núñez also looked like a star in his opening act, only to fade away. That history is a warning sign — a bad omen, perhaps — but it doesn’t have to define the future.

Ekitike appears grounded, hungry, and ready to improve. If he keeps that mentality, then this could be the start of something genuinely special.

Liverpool’s new striker has lit the spark. The challenge now is to keep the fire burning through the long grind of the Premier League season.