Sun Aug 31 16:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Ekitiké’s Liverpool Start Earns Praise, But Deschamps Holds Firm on France Squad
**PARIS -** Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitiké’s impressive start to his Premier League career hasn’t been enough to crack Didier Deschamps’ France squad, despite the manager acknowledging the forward’s potential. Ekitiké, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million this summer, has hit the ground running, scoring in his first three appearances for the club, a feat last achieved by Daniel Sturridge in 2013.
Despite the 23-year-old’s prolific form, Deschamps opted to leave him out of the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland, instead handing a first call-up to Monaco’s Maghnès Akliouche.
“Hugo, because of what he did last season and at Frankfurt, we were already following him,” Deschamps said. “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.”
Deschamps’ squad is already packed with attacking talent, including captain Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Thuram, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, and Rayan Cherki. Akliouche’s selection, despite lacking senior international experience, was defended by Deschamps, who sees the Monaco winger as a valuable addition to the team.
“Maghnès Akliouche is more of a winger. He had a good season with Monaco, he can still improve his effectiveness, but he’s doing some interesting things,” Deschamps explained.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot might not be too disappointed with Ekitiké’s omission, as it allows the in-form striker to rest and focus on maintaining his impressive form for the Reds during the international break.
First Piper 