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Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike has received a warning from Florent Malouda that he must "adapt" following Alexander Isak's arrival at Anfield.
The Frenchman was brought in from Eintracht Frankfurt for approximately $107 million this summer and was anticipated to be Liverpool's primary striker this campaign. However, Liverpool subsequently broke the British transfer record with a $169M outlay on Isak during a hectic deadline day, with the former Newcastle striker now likely to leapfrog Ekitike in the hierarchy.
Ekitike has featured from the start in all of Liverpool's opening three Premier League fixtures this season and has impressed thus far, netting twice and providing one assist.
Yet with Isak threatening his status as a first-choice forward, Ekitike's compatriot Malouda has offered him guidance to help maintain his place in the side.
Speaking to Boyle Sports, who provide the latest Champions League betting, Malouda said: "Will Alexander Isak impact the development of Hugo Ekitike? Yes, but great players adapt all the time. You have to renew yourself. You have to almost develop a toolbox.
"There's always your favourite position, but in modern football, you also have the defensive part of the game where you need to be involved.
"That doesn't stop you from being at your best level. Especially with young players, that's what's difficult to get, you need to give to the team first.
"It doesn't matter the position. Then, with the relationship you create with the players around you, you will get the chances to score back because he's a natural goal scorer.
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"He's a real threat, and he has this experience at PSG with a lot of stars, so he knows how to navigate in a dressing room full of stars. But his main thing is he wants to be on the pitch, he wants to improve his stats, deliver, and answer to the expectations around him."
Enormous pressure will fall on Isak's shoulders to provide the goals for Liverpool as it attempts to defend its Premier League crown following his 23-goal haul last term. Ekitike would still be in contention for selection should Isak be established as the primary striker, with the 23-year-old capable of operating out wide.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Mirror by clicking here.
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