Can 'amazing' Hugo Ekitike live up to Thierry Henry comparisons following transfer to Liverpool? Is Florian Wirtz signing of the summer?

Premier League fans are going to be "shocked at how talented" Hugo Ekitike is following his summer move to Liverpool, according to Owen Hargreaves. The former Manchester United midfielder believes Ekitike is going to have an "amazing" debut campaign in England's top flight and says comparisons made between the Frenchman and Thierry Henry are "relevant", given their positional similarities.

Comparisons between Thierry Henry and Hugo Ekitike are "relevant" given their similar styles of play and the quality of Liverpool’s summer signing, according to Owen Hargreaves. 

The Premier League champions signed Ekitike in July in a deal reportedly worth £79 million after the Frenchman scored 22 goals across all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt last season. 

The 23-year-old predominantly operates as a striker but has a tendency to drift out to the left and has played games on the left wing on a number of occasions. 

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Comparisons have been drawn between Ekitike and France legend Henry, who thrived in both positions during his career.

Discussing Ekitike’s likeness to the Arsenal icon on TNT Sports’ Breakdown, Hargreaves said: "I think because Thierry started on the left and then graduated to be a centre forward, those comparisons are quite relevant.

"When you watch them side by side, obviously there's a lot to live up to with Thierry, but he's got something, that's for sure."

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While the connections between the two forwards have largely been made in relation to their styles of play and positioning, Hargreaves has also been impressed by Ekitike’s quality. 

"I don't think people realise how good Ekitike is," the former England midfielder said. "I was on the pitch when they played Tottenham, in the warm-up. He's massive. 

"And I remember thinking he can play. He's got a great touch. He's quick. He can play off the left, play as a striker. He's going to be, I think, amazing this year. 

"He'll be a French international very soon. And it's amazing that he actually wants to take on a challenge like this. Obviously, he went to PSG, and it didn't really work out. But I think now he's ready for this.

"I think he can score 20 goals, easy. I think in the end, people are going to be shocked at how talented this kid is."

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‘Signing of the season’ - Liverpool make ‘statement’ with Wirtz purchase

Prior to Ekitike’s arrival, Liverpool had already acquired the services of Florian Wirtz in a move that Joe Cole believes is the "signing of the season".

The Reds splashed out an initial £100m on the attacking midfielder, in a deal which reportedly could rise to £116m and break the British transfer record.

Like Ekitike, Wirtz has been impressing in the Bundesliga, reaching double figures in goals and assists in the last two seasons and winning Player of the Season as Bayer Leverkusen won the Bundesliga with an invincible campaign in the first of those. 

Cole believes it is a "statement signing" from the Anfield club, labeling Wirtz as "the best young player in the world". 

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The former Chelsea man said: "When you see a player who can slow the game down like he can when he receives the ball, he's absolutely brilliant. I've followed his career. I think it's the signing of the season."

He added: "When was the last time Liverpool went massive? I think that's the statement signing. 

"He's the best young player in the world or one of the best young players in the world. And they've just gone, right, £100m-plus. There you go. A statement player, everyone wants him."

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Hargreaves echoed this praise of the German, who he believes will pick up from where he left off last season, predicting that he will surprise the Premier League with the level he reaches. 

"On the half turn, technically, he's really unique," Hargreaves said. "I think that's probably why they signed him, because in those little tight spaces, he's probably the best. 

"And he's a good finisher. I think he's going to be the focal point and actually get goals and assists. 

"I think, as much as he costs, people will be surprised how amazing he's going to be. I think he just gives us something different."

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