French media have given their assessment on Hugo Ekitike’s performance as France cruised to victory over Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
11:02, 11 Oct 2025Updated 11:04, 11 Oct 2025
Hugo Ekitike was given one of the lowest marks out of 10 after France’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike received a low rating from French media as he struggled to replicate his excellent Liverpool form on the international stage. Ekitike has hit the ground running since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, with his silly sending off against Southampton in the Carabao Cup after removing his shirt in celebration being the only blot in his copybook.
That form led to him being handed his first senior caps by France boss Didier Deschamps last month. After substitute appearances against Ukraine and Iceland, Ekitike was thrown into the starting line-up for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, partnering Kylian Mbappe in a front two.
Mbappe scored for the 10th successive match and for the 13th time in 14 appearances this season as France won 3-0. The Real Madrid striker’s 53rd international goal – after a brilliant mazy dribble – put him within four of Olivier Giroud’s national team record of 57.
Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin found the net after the break as Deschamps’ side made it three wins from three in Group D. Ekitike, who was replaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta on 79 minutes, had a quieter game than strike partner Mbappe.
As a result, he picked up a lowly rating of just 4/10 from leading French title L’Equipe, who said of his performance: “Plenty of effort and energy, but little end product.
Hugo Ekitike started up front with Kylian Mbappe(Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
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.”
Unsurprisingly, Mbappe, who suffered an ankle injury late on, was top of the class with 8/10, with the majority of the team receiving fives and sixes.
Ekitike joins in with the celebrations after Adrien Rabiot’s goal(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, La Depeche were a little more generous with Ekitike, giving him 5.5/10. They said: “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.”
Again, most players received fives and sixes, with Mbappe leading the way with 7.5/10.
Ekitike is set to get further chances to impress Deschamps, who has been monitoring the 23-year-old for some time. Speaking in August, after calling him up for the first time, he said: “Hugo, because of what he did last season and at Liverpool, we were already following him at Frankfurt.
Michael Olise was given just 3/10(Image: Getty Images)
“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 hope to make a more significant impact when France continue their World Cup qualifying campaign away to Iceland on Monday. The 2022 runners-up complete their Group D fixtures in November when they host Ukraine and travel to Azerbaijan.
Before then, Ekitike will hope to regain his place in the Reds’ starting line-up ahead of fellow new signing Alexander Isak, having started the defeat at Chelsea on the bench.