When Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike faces his former team, Eintracht Frankfurt, in the Champions League on Wednesday, he’ll encounter a squad that’s drastically different from the one he left in July.
Frankfurt made history last year by qualifying for the Champions League for the first time, securing a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.
Their third-place finish marked their best performance since the 1992-93 season.
This season, the Eagles have struggled with consistency, managing only one win in their last five matches across all competitions.
Liverpool’s forward line, despite its own challenges, will be eager to exploit Frankfurt’s defense, which has leaked 18 goals in the past five matches.
While Liverpool is also experiencing a rough patch with four consecutive losses, Frankfurt is finding it hard to cope after losing another key player.
Last year, Ekitike was Frankfurt’s main attacking threat, especially after Omar Marmoush’s winter transfer to Manchester City.
The Frenchman scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists across 48 matches in all competitions.
Frankfurt has developed a reputation for selling their top talents for significant profits in recent years.
Ekitike was the latest star to depart, with Liverpool spending about £69 million ($92 million) to acquire him over the summer.
From 2020, Ekitike, Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani, Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller, and Willian Pacho have collectively brought in 418 million euros ($487 million).
However, while Frankfurt’s scouting remains adept at discovering talent, the exit of key players inevitably triggers a rebuilding phase.
This season, Frankfurt’s young team has exhibited both brilliance and chaos as they navigate this transitional period.
– ‘A Different Challenge’ –
Competing in the Champions League for only the second time, Frankfurt began their campaign with a remarkable 5-1 home victory over Galatasaray, thanks to their dynamic young attackers.
Yet, their next outing saw the 2022 Europa League champions humbled 5-1 by Atletico Madrid, exposing their defensive frailties.
In the Bundesliga, Frankfurt’s inconsistent performance of three wins, three losses, and one draw places them seventh after seven fixtures.
Excluding league leaders Bayern Munich, Dino Toppmoeller’s squad has netted the most goals but also conceded the most.
Frankfurt’s challenges could offer Liverpool an opportunity to rejuvenate their season, but the hosts are aware that the English champions are still finding their rhythm.
Florian Wirtz, since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen, has yet to score or assist in the Premier League or Champions League.
Alexander Isak, another summer acquisition, has yet to find his form after excelling around the box for Newcastle.
Ekitike stands out as Liverpool’s new recruit to impress, despite the club’s recent struggles.
The 23-year-old has netted five goals in 11 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool.
Sporting Director Timmo Hardung remarked that facing the Reds might provide the spark Frankfurt needs this season.
“It’s going to be a completely different challenge,” Hardung said on Frankfurt’s website Sunday.
“Starting Monday, we’ll be moving forward again.
“Liverpool. Champions League. There’s nothing better in football. I’m incredibly excited about it.”
