Ekitike of Liverpool set to confront struggling former side Frankfurt

As Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike prepares to meet his old team Eintracht Frankfurt in Wednesdays Champions League fixture, he will encounter a squad that has changed dramatically since his departure last July.

In the previous season, Frankfurt earned a spot in the Champions League by securing a top four position in the Bundesliga for the first time ever.

That third place achievement marked their strongest performance since the 1992-93 campaign.

Yet the Eagles have shown no real steadiness since the new season began, managing only a single victory in their last five outings across all tournaments.

Liverpools underperforming attack will relish the prospect of targeting Frankfurts backline, which has shipped 18 goals during that poor stretch.

Although Liverpool, enduring a run of four straight defeats, face their own challenges, Frankfurt have faltered notably following the exit of another key player.

During the prior term, Ekitike served as Frankfurts main offensive threat, especially after Omar Marmoush moved to Manchester City in January.

The French player netted 22 times and provided 12 assists across 48 matches in various competitions.

Frankfurt have developed a pattern of cashing in on their top talents for substantial fees in recent times.

Ekitike followed suit as the most recent young talent to depart in the summer transfer window, with Liverpool reportedly spending £69 million ($92 million) to acquire him.

Together, Ekitike, Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani, Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller, and Willian Pacho have generated a total of 418 million euros ($487 million) in sales revenue since 2020.

While the clubs recruitment team continues to spot promising players effectively, losing core figures invariably triggers a rebuilding effort.

True to form for a youthful squad in transition, Frankfurt have displayed flashes of excellence alongside bouts of disarray throughout this campaign.

A changed match

Featured in the Champions League for merely the second occasion in their records, Frankfurt kicked off with a stunning 5-1 victory at home against Galatasaray, as their young forwards dominated proceedings.

However, in their subsequent match, the 2022 Europa League champions suffered a crushing 5-1 defeat away to Atletico Madrid, exposed by their erratic rearguard.

In the Bundesliga, a record of three victories, three setbacks, and one tie has placed Frankfurt seventh after seven rounds.

Beyond the pacesetting Bayern Munich, Dino Toppmoellers outfit have tallied the highest number of goals in the division this year, yet they have also let in more than anyone else.

Frankfurts difficulties could offer Liverpool an opportunity to turn their fortunes around, though the hosts recognise that the English title holders remain open to exploitation amid their adjustment period.

Florian Wirtz has failed to register a goal or assist in the Premier League or Champions League following his summer switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool.

Alexander Isak, lethal in the penalty area during his Newcastle days, represents another recent signing who has yet to hit peak form.

Among Liverpools fresh additions, Ekitike stands out as the sole performer making a positive impact despite the teams overall woes this season.

The 23 year old has claimed five goals in 11 outings across all competitions for Liverpool.

Sporting director Timmo Hardung suggested that facing the Reds might deliver the boost needed to kickstart Frankfurts campaign.

"This match will feel entirely new," Hardung stated on Frankfurts official site on Sunday.

"From Monday onwards, momentum will build once more.

"Liverpool in the Champions League. Nothing tops it in the sport. I am hugely looking forward to it."