The Evolution of Haaland and Ekitike: Two Strikers on Diverging Paths

Erling Haaland has become something of a victim of his extraordinary success, with expectations so high that anything less than a goal per game is considered a disappointment for the world’s most lethal finisher.

Despite this pressure, it is undeniable that Haaland did not perform to his full potential last season, scoring only 22 goals in 31 Premier League appearances. While this is an impressive tally for almost any player, it falls short of the standards set for someone dubbed football’s answer to The Terminator.

“I haven’t been converting my chances,” Haaland confessed during Manchester City’s trophy-less 2024-25 campaign. “I have to do better; I haven’t been good enough.”

Yet this season, Haaland has started with renewed vigor. By the eighth week, he had already netted 11 goals. Just five days before Christmas, he added a brace against West Ham, bringing his total to 19 goals in 17 matches. At this pace, he seemed poised not only to break his own record of 36 goals in a single season but to obliterate it.

However, following that performance at the Etihad on December 20, Haaland’s form dipped drastically. In the subsequent seven weeks and seven matches, he managed to score only once—a penalty in a 1-1 draw against Brighton.

Pep Guardiola has wisely noted that it would be foolish to expect Haaland’s struggles to continue indefinitely. “Never underestimate strikers, goal-scorers, because they will always make you silent,” the City manager asserted. “He will score for the rest of his life, that’s for sure.”

Guardiola also acknowledged just how fortunate City is to have Haaland: “Without him, we would not be in the position we are in now. He contributes significantly and is continually improving in many aspects.”

This sentiment has been evident this season, particularly during the thrilling 5-4 victory over Fulham, where Haaland not only scored but also assisted two goals for Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden.

However, there are still far too many moments when the 25-year-old is scarcely involved in the game, prompting questions about his overall contribution when he isn’t scoring. Haaland is aware of the conversation surrounding his limited involvement in City’s build-up play but insists it doesn’t concern him.

“When I score, nobody discusses this, but when I don’t, people start mentioning my touches,” he shared on the Men in Blazers podcast. “This is part of my life; how people perceive me is beyond my control. I must focus on my role on the pitch. My job isn’t to dictate the game like Rodri, but rather to finish chances. That’s my focus, and I disregard external opinions. It’s about helping the team win.”

He added, “You can indeed play football without touching the ball, even if it sounds amusing. Movements, mental awareness, and positioning are all crucial. It’s not solely about ball touches; of course, you need to touch the ball, but I understand my role in this team.”

Haaland’s primary responsibility is to score goals, and he arguably excels better than any other player in the world in this regard. His movement and presence create space for City’s other attackers, which is invaluable.

While former player Roy Keane controversially remarked that Haaland’s general play resembles that of a League Two player, it’s undeniable that the forward’s overall game has room for improvement. Comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo highlight this disparity; although Haaland is superior in aerial duels, he lacks the Brazilian’s ability to take on defenders single-handedly.

When compared to contemporaries like Kylian Mbappé or Harry Kane, Haaland may match them in goals scored, but he does not possess the same level of completeness in his skill set.

In contrast, Hugo Ekitike may never reach Haaland’s goal-scoring heights but could potentially be more productive on the pitch. Ekitike’s ability to both score and create chances while leading the line is particularly noteworthy.

Initially, it was expected that Alexander Isak would become Liverpool’s first-choice center-forward following his record-breaking transfer from Newcastle last September, having overshadowed Haaland as the most feared striker in the Premier League last season. However, Isak’s struggle to regain form left fans frustrated, while Ekitike emerged as a standout player during Liverpool’s challenging period.

By December, even before Isak’s unfortunate leg injury, it was evident that Ekitike needed to be a regular starter. He responded positively, accumulating six goal involvements in four matches leading up to Christmas, followed by notable performances upon his return to the field.

Ekitike has developed a strong partnership with Florian Wirtz, with the duo combining for six goals this season, establishing themselves as a dynamic force in the Premier League. Ekitike praised Wirtz by saying, “He’s a great player who understands the game. It’s easy to play alongside him; I simply create space, and he finds me.”

Wirtz reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting their chemistry both on and off the field. “He’s a fantastic player who surprised me with his talent since arriving. We connect well, having previously faced each other in the Bundesliga.”

Thierry Henry, who has previously raised concerns about Ekitike’s consistency, recently lauded him as his signing of the season, citing his impressive tally of 15 goals in 32 matches for a team facing ups and downs. “He adapted quickly, and despite the team’s struggles, he’s continued to deliver. He deserves recognition for that.”

While there are still areas for Ekitike to refine, including finishing and decision-making, he is a highly versatile footballer who has improved significantly over the past 18 months, excelling in various positions—whether out wide, up front, or in support of a No.9.

Haaland undoubtedly remains the most feared forward in English football and has the potential to silence his critics in upcoming matches. In contrast, Ekitike presents Liverpool with a multi-faceted threat, a 23-year-old player reminiscent of Fernando Torres, who has yet to reach the peak of his capabilities—an exciting prospect for Liverpool, Manchester City, and their rivals alike.