On August 15, 2025, Hugo Ekitike etched his name into Liverpool’s storied history by becoming only the second player to score and assist in his Premier League debut for the club. This remarkable feat, achieved in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield, places the 23-year-old Frenchman in the same conversation as Darwin Nunez, who accomplished the same against Fulham three years prior in August 2022. Ekitike’s performance not only showcased his immense talent but also signaled the arrival of a potential new talisman for the Reds as they embark on their 2025/26 Premier League title defense.

A Dream Debut at Anfield

Ekitike, a £79 million summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, wasted no time making an impact in his first competitive league outing for Liverpool. In the 37th minute, he seized on a loose ball inside the penalty area, capitalizing on a deflected pass from Alexis Mac Allister. With composure beyond his years, Ekitike coolly side-footed the ball into the bottom-right corner, opening the scoring and sending the Anfield faithful into a frenzy. This goal marked him as the fifth French player to score the opening goal of a Premier League season, a prestigious list that includes Paul Pogba (2018) and others like Djibril Cissé and Daniel Sturridge.

Not content with just a goal, Ekitike turned provider early in the second half. In the 49th minute, he delivered a precise assist to Cody Gakpo, who cut inside from the left and drilled a shot into the bottom-right corner to give Liverpool a 2-0 lead. This combination of clinical finishing and creative playmaking underscored Ekitike’s versatility, a quality that Liverpool manager Arne Slot has long coveted in a striker.

Echoes of Nunez: A Comparison

Ekitike’s debut inevitably draws comparisons to Darwin Nunez, the only other Liverpool player to achieve the goal-and-assist feat on his Premier League debut. Nunez accomplished this in a 2-2 draw against Fulham in August 2022, a match that showcased his raw potential but also foreshadowed the inconsistency that marked his tenure at Liverpool. While Nunez was a fan favorite for his chaotic energy and moments of brilliance, his time at Anfield was often criticized for missed opportunities. He has since moved to Al-Hilal, leaving a void that Ekitike now seems poised to fill.

Statistically, Ekitike’s debut was impressive. He recorded four shots, three from inside the box, and an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.05, the highest among Liverpool players in the match. His dribbling and carries, honed during his time at Frankfurt, also outshine Nunez’s metrics from his best seasons, suggesting a more polished and dynamic skill set. Unlike Nunez, whose physicality often defined his play, Ekitike blends finesse with intelligent movement, drawing inspiration from idols like Neymar and Karim Benzema.

Challenges and Context

Despite Ekitike’s heroics, the match was not without drama. Bournemouth fought back with two goals from Antoine Semenyo, leveling the score at 2-2 and exposing vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s defense. Late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah ultimately secured the victory, but Ekitike’s contributions were pivotal in setting the tone. His ability to influence the game as both a scorer and a facilitator has already drawn praise from pundits like Michael Owen and Gary Neville, with the latter noting that Ekitike could provide genuine competition if Liverpool pursue Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

The match was also overshadowed by an unfortunate incident of alleged racist abuse directed at Semenyo, which prompted a pause in play and a subsequent police investigation. Ekitike, speaking post-match, emphasized the team’s desire to dedicate the win to the late Diogo Jota, whose pre-match tribute added emotional weight to the evening. “We wanted to win for the people who came tonight and for Diogo,” Ekitike told Sky Sports. “I could do better, but the most important thing was the win and the mentality we showed.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Ekitike’s debut is a promising sign for Liverpool fans, who have already begun chanting his name. His sharp link-up play, fearless approach, and ability to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality suggest he could become a fan favorite, much like Nunez was, but with greater consistency. Unlike Nunez, whose chaotic style sometimes lacked precision, Ekitike’s elite movement and decision-making could elevate Liverpool’s attack to new heights.

Reflecting on his performance, Ekitike remained humble, acknowledging the need to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity. “The defenders are stronger, and there are tight spaces here,” he said. “I had so much more space in Germany. I try to come, go, and run behind.” His adaptability and willingness to improve bode well for a player who, at 23, is still developing.

Conclusion

Hugo Ekitike’s Premier League debut was nothing short of spectacular, cementing his place in Liverpool’s history alongside Darwin Nunez. His goal and assist against Bournemouth showcased a striker capable of both scoring and creating, a rare combination that could prove invaluable for Arne Slot’s side. While comparisons to Nunez are inevitable, Ekitike’s technical ability and composure suggest he could surpass his predecessor’s legacy. As Liverpool navigate a competitive season, Ekitike’s emergence offers hope that the Reds have found a new star to lead their attack. With his “my football never lets me down” mentality, the Frenchman is ready to take Anfield by storm.