Ekhator: ‘Thanks for Crespo comparison, but I am more like Kean’ after great goal

Italy Under-21 international Jeff Ekhator is grateful for the Hernan Crespo comparisons after his back-heel goal for Genoa against Napoli, but insists ‘I am more like Moise Kean.’

The striker hit the headlines with a sensational goal to give Genoa the lead against Napoli at the weekend, only for the reigning Champions of Italy to turn it around for a 2-1 victory.

Now he is in the Italy Under-21 camp and inevitably was asked about that remarkable strike.

Ekhator impressed with wonder strike

“I received a lot of compliments, everyone was very kind. I’d love to be able to replicate that goal, but the important thing for a striker is to get the ball in the net, it doesn’t matter how he does it,” said Ekhator in his press conference.

The back-heel flick earned comparisons with former Lazio, Parma, Milan and Inter striker Crespo, but he sees it differently.

“I tend to lean on defenders, try to use them to turn, and I am trying to improve my game as much as possible. I think I’m more like Moise Kean, he has a more similar style of play to mine.”

A product of the Genoa youth academy, Ekhator has two goals in seven appearances this season between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

“I am trying to improve so many elements of my game, from the first touch, to headers, while I can always do better in combining with teammates. I’m still a kid and playing with people who have much more experience than me, but I try to learn as much as I can from all of them.”

Ekhator will celebrate his 19^th birthday next month and is on track to start Italy’s Under-21 European Championship qualifier against Sweden.

“It is going to be a very difficult match, but we want to take the result home at all costs. We’re a really united group of players, so I urge everyone to come to the stadium, as we want to put on a show for the fans.”