AFCON 2025
The Premier League is set for another thrilling showdown between two of England’s biggest clubs — Liverpool and Arsenal — and much of the spotlight will fall on their marquee attacking signings: Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyökeres.
Both strikers arrive with impressive pedigrees, but there are compelling reasons to believe that Liverpool’s Ekitike could have the edge over Arsenal’s Swedish goal-machine in the 2025/26 campaign.
Here are three key reasons why:
1. Ceiling and Age Are on Ekitike’s Side
At just 23 years old, Hugo Ekitike is still developing, and that’s part of what makes him so exciting.
The Frenchman had a breakout season at Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 15 goals in the Bundesliga and earning a spot in the 2024/25 Bundesliga Team of the Season. His game is built around intelligent movement, pace, and sharp finishing — tools that are tailor-made for the Premier League.
In contrast, Gyökeres is 27, entering what’s traditionally considered a player’s prime. While he scored an astonishing number of goals in Portugal — 43 in all competitions for Sporting CP — some skeptics wonder whether he’s already reached his peak. Ekitike, on the other hand, is still ascending.
2. Proven in a Tougher League
While Gyökeres lit up the Primeira Liga, the Bundesliga posed far greater weekly challenges and Ekitike rose to them. His standout moment came in the Europa League quarter-finals when he scored a thunderous strike against Tottenham, showing his ability to deliver on big occasions against top-tier opponents.
Gyökeres also impressed in Europe, most notably with a hat-trick against Manchester City, but his overall record in Portugal came against teams of lower defensive quality than what he’ll face in England.
Adapting from the Primeira Liga to the Premier League is historically difficult and Ekitike already has a head start.
3. A Natural Fit for Liverpool’s System
Ekitike’s style perfectly suits the high-pressing, dynamic system Liverpool are refining post-Klopp. He thrives in fast transitions, combines well in tight spaces, and presses from the front, all essential qualities in the Reds’ setup under Arne Slot.
By contrast, Gyökeres is more physical and direct. While that bodes well for Arsenal’s attacking fluidity, especially with creators like Ødegaard behind him, his adaptation may take longer.
Add to that his recent hamstring issues, and it’s uncertain whether he can stay fully fit across the Premier League’s relentless calendar.
