Thierry Henry singles out Liverpool star that has 'surprised' him since summer transfer

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Thierry Henry has named his countryman Hugo Ekitike as the summer signing he has been most impressed by. The French Arsenal icon has been surprised by the Liverpool star and enjoyed watching him ply his trade at Anfield.

Ekitike joined Liverpool in a deal worth up to £79million before the Reds made a record move for Alexander Isak . Unlike his team-mate, the 23-year-old hit the ground running on Merseyside following his transfer .

The former Frankfurt forward has scored 10 goals in 23 appearances, including seven in 15 in the Premier League . That is despite a spell coming off the bench.

Henry, who received a lifetime achievement award during BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 , has been impressed that Ekitike has continued to play well despite Liverpool's struggles. Arne Slot's side sit seventh after winning the league last term.

"I’ll go with with Hugo Ekitike, because at the beginning, he had to prove that he could be at Liverpool, and he did," Henry said when asked for his most impressive signing as part of Betway column .

"Now the club is struggling and he’s still delivering. He surprised me.

"I knew he had that in his locker, but I didn’t know it was going to be that quick in terms of how he adapted. Of course, it’s easier to adapt when a team is rolling.

"But he adapted, then he went on the bench, didn’t say anything, came back and still scores his goals, so you have to put him up there."

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Henry also picked out a young star that has caught his eye, Manchester City ace Nico O'Reilly. The 20-year-old has proven versatile under Pep Guardiola , and he has picked up two England caps under Thomas Tuchel.

Arsenal icon Henry has been impressed with how the City academy product has adapted to take his opportunity at the Etihad, as well as his consistency.

"I would say Nico O’Reilly. I think he’s naturally a central midfielder, I could see he was a bit lost at the beginning, playing on the left and providing the width," said Henry.

"Now he’s getting assists and scoring goals. He defends well, he’s understanding the position, and he plays every game as well."

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