Liverpool manager Arne Slot has issued a direct challenge to striker Hugo Ekitike, demanding the forward improves his physical strength as he prepares to shoulder a greater goalscoring burden.
Ekitike Must Step Up After Isak Injury
The call comes in the wake of a serious injury to star forward Alexander Isak. The Swede suffered a fractured leg during Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League victory over nine-man Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Isak had put the Reds ahead in the 56th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but was caught badly by the follow-through of defender Micky van de Ven. The striker underwent surgery on Monday and is expected to be sidelined for several months, ruling him out of the upcoming clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With Isak absent, attention turns to Ekitike. Slot admitted the Frenchman now has a "newfound sense of responsibility" and must use it to develop a more robust physique.
Slot's Verdict on Ekitike's Development
"Still he needs to get stronger but he has already become stronger," Slot stated. "I don't think he changed a lot in all his offensive qualities. He's fast, he can score a goal, he has great footwork, he's got dribbling skills. He has so much in his locker."
The Dutch coach believes Ekitike has adjusted to the Premier League but now needs to dominate physically. "Now he has to not only adjust but make sure, with his physique, how fast he is. He can become also physically outstanding, and that's where he's working really hard," Slot added.
Slot did note that fatigue was a factor for Ekitike in the closing stages against Tottenham, a common issue in a squad with limited rotation options.
Manager Blasts Van de Ven Challenge
While supportive of his own player, Slot was scathing in his assessment of the challenge from Tottenham's Van de Ven that caused Isak's injury. He described the tackle as "reckless" and contrasted it with the first-half red card offence by Spurs' Xavi Simons, which he deemed unintentional.
"The tackle of Van de Ven, if you make a tackle like that 10 times, 10 times there is a serious chance the player gets a serious injury," Slot argued.
The injury to Isak, a club-record £120million signing, is a significant blow to Liverpool's attacking options as they prepare to face Wolves. The result against Tottenham, secured despite a late scare, keeps up the pressure at the top of the table.
All eyes will now be on Hugo Ekitike to see if he can answer his manager's call and fill the considerable void left by Alexander Isak's lengthy absence.
