Mbappé’s Influence: How PSG’s Star Shapes Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike

Mbappé’s Lasting Impact: From PSG Teammate to Mentor

When Hugo Ekitike signed for Liverpool in the summer, few outside France predicted just how quickly he would adapt to the Premier League’s relentless pace. But behind the six goals in fifteen appearances lies a deeper story—one shaped by his time in Paris, learning from the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and especially Kylian Mbappé.

Ekitike’s season at PSG was not the stuff of headlines. He was often the understudy, watching from the bench as the club’s Galácticos dazzled. Yet, as he tells Goal.com and The Guardian, that period was “a schooling” that would define his career. “If I can take little things—even without the ball—from their game, I would, because I really watched them a lot,” he says. For Ekitike, absorbing Messi’s vision, Neymar’s footwork, and Mbappé’s explosive runs wasn’t imitation—it was evolution.

Learning from the Best: Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé

Footballers often speak of inspiration. For Ekitike, inspiration was proximity. Training and playing with Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé offered a daily masterclass. “Messi’s vision, seeing things before he receives the ball; Neymar’s tricks and ball control; and Mbappé’s off-the-ball movement—I tried to add all of these to my game to make me more complete,” Ekitike explains. But he’s quick to admit: “I can’t say I’ll do the same things as these players. But I watch, I learn, and I try.”

Mbappé, in particular, stands out—not just as a former teammate, but as an ongoing mentor. Even after Ekitike’s move to Liverpool, their relationship endured. Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, continues to offer advice and encouragement. “He saw me in a bad position at PSG. So he’s happy for me now that things are working out,” Ekitike shares. Their bond is more than professional courtesy; it’s a connection that bridges clubs, leagues, and ambitions.

From Paris to Merseyside: Adapting, Growing, Competing

Ekitike’s journey has not been straightforward. After PSG, a spell in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt refined his skills and resilience. But it was the move to Liverpool—a club known for its passionate fanbase and demanding football—that truly tested his mettle.

Despite the pressure, Ekitike has thrived, even as he faces internal competition. Aleksander Isak, Liverpool’s record signing, has kept Ekitike on his toes. Manager Arne Slot’s high standards have sometimes frustrated the young striker. “He’s on my back, but not for a bad thing. He just wants to help me, so I don’t take that badly,” Ekitike says, reflecting on Slot’s constructive criticism—including the infamous incident where Slot called his Carabao Cup celebration ‘stupid’ after Ekitike removed his shirt and received a red card.

Fitness, suspensions, and tactical shifts have meant Ekitike and Isak have rarely played together. But Ekitike’s versatility—his ability to play centrally or on the wings—has kept him in contention. “I think I’m able to play with any players and we can definitely play together,” he notes, optimistic about future partnerships.

Rivalries and Role Models: Facing Haaland, Winning Respect

If Mbappé is the mentor, Erling Haaland is the benchmark. Ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City, Ekitike singled out Haaland’s efficiency and impact. “He’s probably the best striker in the world now for a few years, and definitely someone I’m looking at. He’s able to do things without touching the ball much during the game, and it’s really impressive,” Ekitike admits. In a league where the margins are razor-thin, learning from the best is essential.

On the pitch, Ekitike will soon face both old friends and new rivals. His recent 20-minute reunion with Mbappé after Liverpool’s win over Real Madrid was a reminder of how far he’s come. For Ekitike, these moments are not just nostalgic—they’re fuel for the future.

The Pressure and Privilege of Elite Football

Mbappé’s influence, Messi’s vision, Neymar’s artistry, and Haaland’s ruthlessness all swirl in the mix of Ekitike’s evolving style. But pressure is ever-present. Liverpool’s struggles—six defeats in seven matches before a recent turnaround—mean every appearance is scrutinized. Ekitike knows the stakes, but he’s built for this.

“If a coach doesn’t like you, he won’t try to get the best out of you,” Ekitike muses, embracing the challenge. For young talents like him, the privilege of learning from legends is matched by the burden of expectation. Every touch, every run, every decision on the pitch is a chance to prove he belongs at the top.

Meanwhile, Mbappé continues to collect awards and headlines at Real Madrid, as Yahoo Sports notes, but he keeps a watchful eye on the next wave—players like Ekitike who carry his lessons forward.

Conclusion: The Ripple Effect of Greatness

Ekitike’s story is not just about goals scored or matches won. It’s about the ripple effect of greatness—how proximity to elite talent can lift, inspire, and transform. From PSG’s glittering locker room to the cauldron of Anfield, the threads of mentorship and rivalry weave a fabric of ambition and possibility.

For Ekitike, Mbappé is more than a superstar. He’s a blueprint, a big brother, and a reminder that football is as much about learning as it is about competing. As Liverpool looks to the future, Ekitike’s evolution—shaped by the best—may be the club’s most valuable asset.

Mbappé’s continued involvement in Ekitike’s development underscores the power of mentorship and example in elite sport. The young striker’s growth reflects a broader truth: greatness, when shared, multiplies. As the new generation rises, their stories will be defined not just by individual brilliance, but by the connections that drive them forward.