In Aleksander Isak’s and Mo Salah’s absence, Liverpool have found the unlikeliest of heroes in Hugo Ekitike. The forwards look set to lead the attack for Liverpool.
A dramatic shift in fortunes at Liverpool finds an unlikely figure at its heart. The Hugo Ekitike transformation, from outlying summer signing to essential goal machine, is a major reason behind the Reds’ climb back into Premier League contention.
When the club broke its transfer record for Alexander Isak, Ekitike’s arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt was somewhat overshadowed. Early promise faded into a difficult adaptation period. Now, with Isak out long-term and Mohamed Salah at AFCON, the Frenchman’s explosive form with eight league goals, including five in his last three games, has become indispensable.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”598d587f82f0613dc60f89d2daf94a61″ image-id=”brfcFKLCTtDB” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 1920px; aspect-ratio: 1920/1080;”]
Slot, really happy with Hugo Ekitike
Manager Arne Slot credits a stark change in the player’s approach, particularly off the pitch. The Dutch coach revealed he had to push Ekitike to accept the rigorous physical demands required to thrive. “He showed a lot of hard work to get to this fitness level where he is at the moment,” Slot stated. “It sometimes took us – me – a bit of convincing that this all is actually needed to become stronger but he always did it, not always with a smile on his face but he has worked really hard to get fitter on and off the pitch.”
Slot’s assessment for Hugo Ekitike to score more
Slot’s coaching extended beyond mere fitness. He worked to convince the striker that defensive contributions, especially at set pieces, directly fuel attacking success. “I’ve tried to convince him as well, the better you defend a set-piece the bigger chance you have to score at the other end,” Slot explained. “It may sound strange but it is what it does with the energy levels of the other team. For us and him to score goals, it is important we don’t concede from set-pieces.”[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”1ffbae35d432d0d71911ca2a0b209fbb” image-id=”prsi1UCf4Juw” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 2700px; aspect-ratio: 2700/1524;”]
This comprehensive development has seen Ekitike become the focal point of an attack, rediscovering its bite. While Slot noted alternative options like Federico Chiesa exist, the 23-year-old is now the undisputed first choice.
Looking at Liverpool’s mini revival with six games unbeaten after a nightmare run, Slot believes fortune has finally balanced out. “I also think we have been a bit more lucky than in the games before,” he admitted, reflecting on narrow recent wins. “Many times we have been so unlucky with the result, almost every time, but in the last two games I wouldn’t say we didn’t deserve it but they were more equal games than many others we have played which we lost.”
