Hugo Ekitike has returned the favour well, as Arne Slot offered him the starting position up front for Liverpool. With Alexander Isak facing fitness issues, Ekitike will have much more time to cement his spot up top.
Hugo became the most expensive French striker in history when Liverpool paid £69m to transfer his contract from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Many doubted the Frenchman’s viability when the Reds broke the British record to sign Alexander Isak on deadline day. However, despite the price tag, Ekitike has featured more and has also been more effective.
With 411 minutes in the English Premier League, Hugo has already scored three goals and assisted once. He also scored in the UEFA Champions League against his former club as Liverpool thrashed the Eagles 5-1.
Alan Shearer talks about Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike
Shearer believes that Hugo Ekitike should be Liverpool’s main striker (Credits: Imago Images)
Newcastle United legend and pundit Alan Shearer recently talked about Ekitike’s effectiveness and also passed his own verdict on the player.
“I think that Hugo Ekitike has already done enough to become Liverpool’s number one striker for me, forget the price tags and everything else”, Shearer told Betfair.
“He came in before anyone and obviously had scored the goals and looked really good in that position. Then he was sort of shifted out last night to a wider position; he wasn’t really involved in the game up until the goal.”
“Even the commentators said at the time that he hadn’t really had many touches. But then, the way he took his goal and the way he finished it to get himself into that position – he’s got every right to think he should be starting on a regular basis.”
“I know football’s changed, and I know it’s very difficult to start every game in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. But he’s got every chance to think that he’s done enough to stay in the team.”
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
Is Alexander Isak falling behind?
Despite playing almost 400 minutes, Alexander Isak has yet to score a goal for Liverpool. The Swedish striker has assisted once, but the goal drought remains the big focus considering his role.
Isak also recently went down against Eintracht Frankfurt as the striker was subbed off during half-time. Slot confirmed that it was a groin issue, but his timeline for return remains uncertain.
“He had to come off because he felt his groin. Many people told me they wanted me to play him more, and we had to find the balance, and unfortunately, that balance didn’t work out for us today perfectly”, Slot told the press.
