BREAKING NEWS: “Out of all 22 men on that pitch, he was the best of them all.” Joe Cole hails Hugo Ekitike after Liverpool’s 2–0 win over Brighton at Anfield.

Liverpool’s 2–0 victory over Brighton at Anfield on Saturday night was a performance built on structure, intensity, and individual brilliance. While the goals sealed the result, it was the display of one player that dominated post-match conversations across studios, fan forums, and social media platforms.

That player was Hugo Ekitike.

Former England international and Premier League icon Joe Cole did not hesitate when asked to name the standout performer of the match. Speaking live after the final whistle, Cole delivered a glowing assessment that has since gone viral.

“If I see a good player, I’ll always speak up. Out of all 22 men on that pitch, he was the best of them all,” Cole said. “I enjoyed every single touch he made. It reminded me so much of prime Riyad Mahrez — that magnificent control, those god-like skills. It’s honestly unfortunate he was robbed of the Man of the Match award, because he alone deserved it.”

The comparison raised eyebrows, but few who watched the match closely would disagree.

Ekitike’s Anfield masterclass

From the opening minute, Ekitike imposed himself on the game with confidence and elegance. Operating between Brighton’s midfield and defensive lines, he was a constant problem — receiving the ball under pressure, turning defenders, and creating space with effortless movement.

What stood out most was not just his technical quality, but his composure. Every touch seemed deliberate. Every decision showed maturity beyond his years.

Brighton defenders struggled to contain him. Double marking failed. Tactical fouls failed. Even changes in defensive shape failed.

Ekitike was simply untouchable.

Why Joe Cole’s praise carries weight

Joe Cole is not known for exaggeration. Having played alongside elite talents and faced some of the best defenders in world football, his words carry authority.

By comparing Ekitike to prime Riyad Mahrez, Cole highlighted several key attributes:

• Exceptional first touch
• Close ball control in tight spaces
• Ability to glide past defenders effortlessly
• Creative unpredictability
• Confidence to dictate tempo in the final third

Mahrez at his peak was one of the most feared wide attackers in Europe. To draw such a parallel underlines just how special Ekitike’s performance was.

Man of the Match controversy

Despite widespread praise, Ekitike was surprisingly overlooked for the official Man of the Match award. This decision sparked immediate debate.

Several pundits, including Cole, argued that no other player influenced the game to the same extent. While goals often dominate awards, Ekitike’s control of the match narrative, his involvement in build-up play, and his relentless threat justified the recognition.

Cole was blunt in his assessment.

“He was robbed. Simple as that.”

Brighton’s defensive nightmare

Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler admitted post-match that his side had prepared extensively for Ekitike — and still failed.

Brighton attempted to:

• Assign two players to track him
• Force him wide to reduce central influence
• Press aggressively to disrupt his rhythm

None of it worked.

Ekitike adapted seamlessly, drifting into pockets of space, drawing defenders out, and creating overloads that Liverpool exploited repeatedly.

One Brighton defender was overheard saying in the tunnel, “You think you’ve got him, then he’s gone.”

Arne Slot’s tactical success

Liverpool manager Arne Slot deserves credit for maximizing Ekitike’s strengths. By giving him freedom to roam while maintaining structural discipline behind him, Slot allowed Ekitike to express himself without sacrificing team balance.

This role suits him perfectly. It allows him to:

• Influence play centrally
• Drift wide when needed
• Combine with midfielders and wingers
• Attack defensive gaps intelligently

Under Slot, Ekitike looks not just like a talented forward, but a complete attacking weapon.

Fans begin Ballon d’Or conversations

While it may seem premature, Liverpool supporters are already daring to dream. Following performances like this, comparisons with the world’s elite attackers are inevitable.

Some fans believe Ekitike has the raw talent to one day compete with the likes of Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé for individual honours.

What fuels this belief is not just flair, but consistency. Ekitike has now delivered multiple high-level performances against top opposition, suggesting this is not a one-off display.

A statement night at Anfield

Liverpool’s win over Brighton will be remembered not just for the scoreline, but for the emergence of a player announcing himself on a bigger stage.

Joe Cole’s words captured the mood perfectly. This was not hype. This was recognition.

Hugo Ekitike did not just play well.

He controlled the game.

He entertained.

He dominated.

And if performances like this continue, conversations about elite status will no longer feel exaggerated — they will feel inevitable.