🔴 BREAKING: “He Was Levels Above Everyone Else on That Pitch” — Joe Cole Sends Shock Praise After Liverpool’s Brighton Win

Liverpool’s 2–0 triumph over Brighton at Anfield delivered more than three crucial points. It produced a performance that instantly became the main talking point long after the final whistle.

Yes, the goals mattered.
Yes, the structure was solid.
But one player completely stole the spotlight.

That name? Hugo Ekitike.

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⭐ The Performance Everyone Is Talking About

As the match unfolded, it became increasingly clear that Liverpool had a player operating on a different wavelength. Studio discussions, fan reactions, and social media debates all circled back to the same conclusion.

Hugo Ekitike ran the show.

Former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole wasted no time sharing his verdict during the post-match analysis — and his words quickly spread like wildfire.

> “When you spot real quality, you have to say it. Out of all 22 players out there, he stood above the rest,” Cole said. “I loved watching him. Every touch had purpose. Honestly, it reminded me of Riyad Mahrez at his absolute best.”

Cole went even further, suggesting the forward was unfairly overlooked when individual awards were handed out.

> “For me, he should’ve taken Man of the Match. No question.”

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🎩 A Masterclass Under the Anfield Lights

From the opening exchanges, Ekitike played with confidence, elegance, and control. Floating between Brighton’s lines, he constantly found space, resisted pressure, and turned tight situations into attacking opportunities.

What made the display special wasn’t just flair — it was calmness.

His decision-making was sharp.
His movement was intelligent.
His timing was flawless.

Brighton tried everything to stop him.

Extra markers? Didn’t work.
Aggressive pressing? No effect.
Tactical fouls? Still couldn’t slow him down.

He simply adjusted… and kept hurting them.

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🧠 Why Joe Cole’s Words Matter

Joe Cole is not known for exaggeration. Having played at the highest level, his praise carries serious weight.

By mentioning Mahrez, Cole was pointing to specific qualities Ekitike showed on the night:

Silky first touch

Close control in crowded areas

Effortless dribbling

Creative unpredictability

Authority in the final third

Those traits defined Mahrez at his peak — and seeing them on display at Anfield raised plenty of eyebrows.

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🏆 Man of the Match Debate Erupts

Despite widespread admiration, Ekitike missed out on the official Man of the Match award — a decision that quickly sparked debate.

While goals often steal the headlines, many felt Ekitike dictated the entire flow of the game. His involvement in build-up play, ability to draw defenders, and constant threat made Liverpool tick.

Cole didn’t mince his words.

> “He should’ve had it. Simple.”

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😵 Brighton’s Long Night

Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler later admitted his side planned extensively for Ekitike — yet nothing worked.

They tried to:

Crowd him out

Push him away from central zones

Increase defensive pressure

Still, he slipped away, found pockets of space, and helped create overloads Liverpool exploited again and again.

One defender was reportedly heard muttering afterward:
“You think you’ve got him… then he’s already gone.”

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🔧 Arne Slot’s Tactical Masterstroke

Liverpool manager Arne Slot deserves credit for unlocking Ekitike’s full potential. By allowing him freedom within a disciplined system, Slot created the perfect balance.

The role lets Ekitike:

Drift centrally

Pull wide when needed

Link with midfielders

Exploit defensive gaps

Under Slot, he looks less like a promising attacker — and more like a complete offensive weapon.

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🌍 Ballon d’Or Whispers Begin…

Is it early? Possibly.
Is it ridiculous? Not according to some Liverpool fans.

After another top-class display against strong opposition, supporters are beginning to mention Ekitike in conversations usually reserved for elite names like Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé.

What fuels the belief isn’t just flair — it’s consistency.

This is no one-off.

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🏟️ A Night That Meant More Than Three Points

Liverpool’s win over Brighton will be remembered for many reasons — but above all, it marked a statement performance.

Joe Cole said what many were thinking.

This wasn’t hype.
This wasn’t luck.

Hugo Ekitike controlled the match.
He entertained Anfield.
He dominated proceedings.

And if nights like this keep coming, the conversation around him won’t be about potential anymore…

It’ll be about status. 🔥⚽