EXCLUSIVE: Heskey backs Ekitike to lead Liverpool line
Ex-Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has stated his support for the Reds' summer signing Hugo Ekitike to lead the team's front line in the Premier League this season.
In an exclusive interview with Odds Now, on behalf of UK bookmaker William Hill, the former England frontman was keen to play down fears of a potential Mohamed Salah exit from the club.
Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool have endured a tough start to their title defence this season. Arne Slot's team currently sit in 7th position, with 26 points from their 16 league games so far.
The club's form has steadied recently, with Liverpool now on an unbeaten run of four league games. However, this undefeated spell came off the back of seven defeats from their previous 8 league matches.
As if the situation wasn't dire enough, Slot then had to deal with the fallout of star man Salah criticising the team and manager for their poor start to the campaign.
The Salah conundrum has ultimately been handled effectively by Slot, but it has led to speculation that the Egyptian international may be set for a move away from Anfield in the coming weeks.
Heskey has spoken about the qualities of Ekitike. The former Eintracht Frankfurt striker came back into the starting eleven at the expense of Salah for the games against Leeds and Brighton, bagging a brace in each match. His spot in the starting XI is set to continue with Salah departing for the Africa Cup of Nations this week.
Heskey said, "[Ekitike] started really well, which is always great – but now he’s continuing that form. It always takes time to settle in the Premier League, but Ekitike has been working really hard, and yes, I think he should be the first-choice centre forward now, no question.
"Slot has a number of options to play two up front or a three, but either way, Ekitike should be part of that, as he has that natural goalscorer’s instinct."
Ekitike has now scored 7 goals in the Premier League this season, and has hit the net 10 times in all competitions. This has made him the club's leading scorer for the 2025/26 season so far.
The French international attacker signed for Liverpool from Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million in July this year. The club then made the controversial £125 million signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle after a prolonged transfer saga.
Isak's arrival appeared to cast doubt on Ekitike's involvement as a first-team starter this season, with Salah deemed to be the first name on the team sheet. However, Salah's poor start to the season and Isak's inability to settle straight into the first team have opened the door for Ekitike to thrive and earn praise from fans and pundits alike.
Heskey added, "I like his energy, pace, drive and determination. These are top attributes of a striker, and I am really impressed with him so far. Adding to these with confidence and single-mindedness as well, which is what all strikers need. He can now really settle and push on to score plenty of goals.
"He can always improve on his team play and finishing, but overall, I am pleased he is scoring and like his hunger to get on the ball and make something happen, which this side desperately needs at the moment."
As for Liverpool's aspirations for this season, Heskey still believes that a top-four finish and qualification for next season's Champions League is a realistic target for the club this year.
Liverpool are currently 10 points off the pace of league leaders Arsenal, but the team are only 2 points behind Chelsea, who occupy that sought-after fourth place position in the league table.
William Hill are offering odds of 25/1 on Liverpool retaining their league title this season. The bookmaker is pricing a top-four finish for the Reds at 4/7.
Heskey concluded, "Top four is realistic, yes. I don’t see Arsenal or Man City dropping that many points together to allow Liverpool back in. It can happen, but I don’t think it will.
"So, top four, or even top three, I would say, would be where Liverpool need to finish in the Premier League now. It’s very much achievable for sure as they can go on a run, have top players to do so and with players looking more confident than they were, I expect Liverpool to push on now."
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
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Hugo Ekitike has scored a brace in back-to-back Premier League matches. On fire for @LFC 🔥
