Arne Slot can’t hide frustration at “stupid” Liverpool star after win vs Southampton

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed strong opinions regarding Hugo Ekitike, the club's new signing. Slot described Ekitike's recent red card as both “needless and stupid,” emphasizing the player's suspension affects Liverpool's Premier League campaign negatively. Despite this, Slot’s vision for Liverpool heavily involves Ekitike as a key tactical asset.

Slot identified a lack of pace in Liverpool’s squad from the previous season, a deficiency that Ekitike is designed to address alongside other signings like Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz. The Dutch manager sought a creative, mobile striker capable of combining with teammates, dropping deep, and stretching defenses with runs in behind—qualities that were less present in Darwin Nunez. Slot discussed with Ekitike the prospect of evolving Liverpool’s style with a 4-2-3-1 formation focusing more on possession sequences.

Ekitike’s versatility is central to Slot’s tactical plans. Statistically, Ekitike ranks in the 95th percentile for expected-assisted goals and 94th percentile for shot-creating actions, making him both a playmaker and goal threat. Standing 6ft 3in tall, he also addresses Liverpool's previous struggles with set-pieces, an area Slot highlighted as crucial for winning games. The €95m investment in Ekitike signals Slot's commitment to a more dynamic, pace-driven team that balances evolving tactics with attacking power.

However, Ekitike's adaptation includes challenges; debates have arisen around Slot's decisions to substitute him, particularly after key matches such as the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace, leading to fan discussions about his role and the team’s strategies moving forward.

```
PP