£69m Liverpool player did something 'magnificent' against Atletico Madrid after coming off the bench - McCoist
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One of the key things that Ekitike has brought to Liverpool this season is his ability to create something from nothing.
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The Frenchman has undoubtedly been one of Slot’s best players this term, and even though last season, Isak’s performances were better, it feels like Ekitike should be given as much of a chance to start as the former Newcastle man.
And, against Atletico, he once again proved that with Ally McCoist even dubbing his movement “magnificent” after what he did against Simeone’s men.
“Ekitike’s movement is nothing short of magnificent,” he said live on TNT Sports, in quotes relayed by BBC Sport.
“He goes to the front post and realises he has no chance of getting it, so [he] moves to the back post.
“But one thing I would say is he could’ve left space for Wirtz.”
Although you’d expect Ekitike’s form this season to have some say on whether he gets chosen over Isak, at the moment, that doesn’t feel likely.
Indeed, Isak may have cost Liverpool £125million, but if he doesn’t end up playing at his best, Slot should give the Frenchman a run out to try and prove his worth.
Of course, both could end up playing with one another if they’re played over Cody Gakpo, but in reality, it’s clear that Isak and Ekitike will perform to their best if they’re used as number nines.
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At the moment, it’s anyone’s guess how the season could pan out, but if the former Eintracht Frankfurt man is sat on the bench for Liverpool’s next couple of games, when he’s brought on, he needs to show Slot that he’s made a mistake.
Otherwise, things will stay like that all season, which is far from ideal for a player of the Frenchman’s calibre.