Amid all of Liverpool’s issues in the previous few weeks, maybe the decline in type of Hugo Ekitike has slipped below the radar.
The 23-year-old ahead went off like a rocket following his £69m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt. He netted in three of his first 5 Premier League video games, including an help, and in addition scored versus Crystal Palace within the Group Defend.
Article continues below the video
The Frenchman took up reins with Alexander Isak injured – trying an ideal match for Arne Slot’s aspect from the off. However issues have taken an enormous downturn for the previous Paris Saint-Germain man in current weeks.
He’s scored one objective in his final 10 matches for membership and nation – an admittedly great breakaway effort versus a really beneficiant Frankfurt aspect within the Champions League.
Ekitike’s targets have dried up
However elsewhere Ekitike has struggled for photographs – solely FOUR on the right track within the entirety of the Premier League season to date. And worse than that, he’s struggling for involvement full cease.
In opposition to Manchester Metropolis on Sunday, Ekitike was chosen to steer the road as soon as once more with Isak not but match. Throughout 56 minutes on the pitch he touched the ball 11 instances.
So what’s gone incorrect?
Effectively it’s inconceivable to isolate anyone participant as Liverpool’s solely downside. There’s a full malfunction within the Reds proper now – solved solely quickly in two wins in opposition to Aston Villa and Actual Madrid by going again to fundamentals.
And crucially, these wins got here at residence in opposition to two opponents who performed into Slot’s arms. Any inclination that Liverpool had been “again” after these two wins can now be thrown out the window.
Liverpool forwards lacking TAA and Diaz
Ekitike’s dip in type has come following his crimson card in opposition to Southampton within the EFL Cup in opposition to Southampton. He has not scored a home objective since then.
We all know Slot was upset with the crimson card however it merely doesn’t make sense that Ekitike’s type has nosedived on account of that alone.
He initially did not do an terrible lot incorrect – the crimson card apart – to drive Slot into dropping him for Isak. And with the Swede out injured but once more, the Dutch tactician has as soon as once more acquired Ekitike main the road.
So what may or not it’s?
For one factor, Liverpool are feeling the results of shedding a few gamers that Ekitike by no means even performed with.
Shorn of Trent Alexander-Arnold they’ll now not transfer the ball by way of the thirds for ahead gamers within the blink of a watch.
And with out Luis Diaz on the left they’ve misplaced essential one-on-one chance-making capability {that a} central striker may revenue from.
© IMAGO – Hugo Ekitike Liverpool
Ekitike is a symptom not a trigger
Diaz’s alternative at No7 Florian Wirtz is far more a “ball to toes” participant and has just lately been stationed in the direction of the left of the assault.
That in flip has precipitated a difficulty for Ekitike up prime as he likes to return brief and is usually occupying the identical house as his fellow Bundesliga graduate.
Furthermore, it’s clearly been demonstrated that Dominik Szoboszlai has to play because the central playmaker – each for his work on the ball and off it.
Which means although that Richard Hughes’ plan of utilizing Wirtz to unlock “low blocks” has been thrown into disarray.
A lot for the Wirtz to Ekitike pipeline. It’s been nonexistent.
Ekitike is on a run of 5 league video games with out a objective following his objective glut to begin the season.
His numbers are low; FOTMOB particulars that he’s solely having 0.57 photographs per 90, solely 32 touches per 90 and an alarmingly low 3.81 touches within the opposition field per 90.
Liverpool have gotten a lot to work on to ensure that this squad to perform like a well-oiled machine. Proper now Ekitike’s poor type is a symptom and never a trigger.
🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range
👉🏻 Liverpool have a NEW right-back and he’s the best in the world
👉🏻 Marc Guehi is COMING: Liverpool will agree deal to sign England star
