Hugo Ekitike gets ruthless verdict from French media after first start for France

Hugo Ekitike received a harsh rating from French media after failing to replicate his fine form for Liverpool in the international arena. Ekitike has settled quickly at Anfield since his summer switch from Eintracht Frankfurt, with only a needless red card against Southampton in the Carabao Cup - for whipping off his shirt in celebration - tarring his record.

Those impressive displays earned him his maiden senior call-ups from France manager Didier Deschamps last month. Following cameo appearances off the bench against Ukraine and Iceland, Ekitike was given a starting berth for Friday's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, lining up alongside Kylian Mbappe in attack.

Mbappe netted for the 10th consecutive match and bagged his 13th goal in 14 outings this campaign as France cruised to a 3-0 victory. The Real Madrid forward's 53rd international strike - following a mesmerising solo run - moved him to within four of Olivier Giroud's national record of 57 goals.

Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin both found the net in the second period as Deschamps' men maintained their perfect record with three victories from three in Group D. Ekitike, who was replaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta with 11 minutes remaining, had a more subdued evening compared to attacking partner Mbappe.

Consequently, he was slapped with a meagre 4/10 rating from French publication L’Equipe, who said of his display: "Plenty of effort and energy, but little end product. He struck eight times, hit the base of the post, but missed the target too often. His movement was good, yet his execution lacked precision."

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Only Bayern Munich's Michael Olise - a player who has been linked with Liverpool - received a lower mark, 3/10. L'Equipe said: "Struggled to impact the game; lacked sharpness and cohesion with teammates."

Predictably, Mbappe, who picked up an ankle knock late in proceedings, topped the ratings with 8/10, while most of the squad earned fives and sixes.

Meanwhile, La Depeche showed slightly more kindness towards Ekitike, awarding him 5.5/10. They commented: "A timid start, before becoming the useful link for the opening goal. His driven shot hit the post; he went close again after a fine solo run. Even tried an audacious backheel - full of initiative, if not success."

Once more, the majority of players earned fives and sixes, with Mbappe topping the charts with 7.5/10.

Ekitike is expected to receive more opportunities to impress Deschamps, who has been tracking the 23-year-old. Speaking back in August, following his maiden call-up, the World Cup-winning captain and manager said: "Hugo, because of what he did last season and at Liverpool, we were already following him at Frankfurt.

"Good for him. It's great that he's effective, but there's competition. I'm not going to pile up players, but he has the potential for the French team."

Ekitike will be hoping to leave a more substantial mark when France resume their World Cup qualifying journey away to Iceland on Monday. The 2022 runners-up wrap up their Group D fixtures in November when they welcome Ukraine before travelling to Azerbaijan.

Before then, Ekitike will be aiming to reclaim his spot in the Reds' starting XI over fellow new signing Alexander Isak after being benched for the 2-1 loss at Chelsea.

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