5 hours ago
2
Arne Slot has revealed where he thinks Hugo Ekitike can improve after the September international break, despite Liverpool’s new summer signing making an instant impact since his arrival.
The Frenchman, who was omitted from Didier Deschamps’ international squad earlier this week, has netted in each of his first three Liverpool matches since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer. He’s the first Red to do so since Daniel Sturridge in 2013.
Given there were some doubts about his readiness to perform in the Premier League, his immediate start has taken a few by surprise. Smart finishes in the first two league matches against Bournemouth and Newcastle United, and a powerful strike in the Community Shield at the start of the month underlined his vast array of talents.
Fans have also been impressed by Ekitike’s hold-up play, turn of pace, and close control.
But Slot feels there will be even more to come from the forward when he regains full fitness, following a summer impacted by his transfer to Liverpool.
“He has made a big impact on our attacking, not just scoring goals but other situations where he was someone starting attacks or part of us starting attacks,” Slot explained ahead of the match against Arsenal on Sunday.
“That is a bit more than last season, although when Lucho [Luis Diaz] played there, he was part of our build-up. The most simple answer to what he can improve is his match fitness.
“So I expect him to do a lot more without the ball than he already does because he is already working hard.
“But that is normal, as he had to adjust to a different league and a different playing style.
"Frankfurt pressed, but not as much as we try to do, and then coming to a different country and league, there is a lot for him to handle.
"After the international break, it is Champions League games added. He was used to playing in the Europa League, which is a good level but not as high as the Champions League.
"There is the main point of improvement, which is also completely normal because he came a bit later in preseason so to adapt to the intensity levels without the ball, they are the small steps to take.
After Sunday's game against Arsenal, Liverpool faces a two-week gap over the international break, with a trip to Burnley set to follow when the Premier League returns.
English (US) ·