Discussions on Crickex Affiliate have recently centered around Liverpool’s turbulent form and the sudden rise of their newest attacking sensation. Over the weekend, the Reds suffered a 1–2 defeat to Manchester United, marking their third consecutive loss and putting coach Arne Slot under heavy pressure. Liverpool desperately needed a spark—and they found it in the Champions League, where their attacking display against Eintracht Frankfurt reminded fans of the club’s trademark intensity. Yet for Mohamed Salah, the match brought more frustration than joy. For the second straight European fixture, the Egyptian star was left out of the starting lineup.

When he finally came on as a substitute, Salah still struggled to make an impact. He even missed a golden chance to assist new signing Hugo Ekitike, choosing to shoot himself instead and costing his teammate a debut goal. Once the undisputed leader of Liverpool’s offense, Salah’s influence has clearly waned this season. At 33, he has only scored three goals in twelve appearances, with no goals or assists in his last five matches. The decline hasn’t gone unnoticed, and Liverpool’s management seemed to anticipate this shift. During the summer transfer window, they invested in two dynamic forwards—Alexander Isak and Ekitike—to reshape the team’s attack.

That decision has started to pay off. Liverpool’s offense now looks more balanced and less dependent on Salah’s individual brilliance. While it’s still early in the season and Salah could rediscover his form, one thing is becoming clear: surpassing Ekitike in the scoring charts might be an uphill battle. The 23-year-old French striker has adapted quickly to life at Anfield and already proven his worth. Crickex Affiliate reports have highlighted how his performances are winning over fans who see him as a new symbol of Liverpool’s evolution.

Ekitike’s numbers speak volumes. Signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for around £69 million, he scored against his former club in the Champions League and now leads Liverpool’s scoring chart with six goals and one assist—more than both Salah and Cody Gakpo. One Liverpool journalist summed up the hype perfectly: “Ekitike combines Torres’ pace, Crouch’s touch, Sturridge’s agility, and Firmino’s intelligence.” The comparison may sound bold, but data backs it up. According to FBref, Ekitike ranks in the top 13% among Europe’s top forwards for chance creation and top 3% for successful dribbles. His acceleration, positioning, and composure in the box have made him a nightmare for defenders.

Even though Isak arrived with a record-breaking transfer fee, Ekitike’s form has overshadowed him. His quick adaptation, confidence, and chemistry with Liverpool’s midfield make him the focal point of the attack. Analysts believe he could be the club’s long-term solution up front, carrying the same weight Salah once did. And while Salah may yet rediscover flashes of his former brilliance, time seems to be passing the torch.

Crickex Affiliate discussions now echo the sentiment of many fans: Ekitike is not just Liverpool’s breakout star of the season—he’s shaping up to be the future face of the club. As Salah’s era slowly fades, Ekitike’s rise feels inevitable, marking the dawn of a new chapter in Liverpool’s attacking legacy.