'Fantastic' player has just given Arne Slot a big dilemma after the Merseyside Derby - opinion
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Arne Slot made some changes to his team for the Merseyside derby, but he might have to make more heading into their next Premier League game.
The Reds made it five wins from five in the league this season after earning the bragging rights on derby day, and this time they did not need a last-minute winner.
They took a two-goal lead against Everton, but the Toffees nicked one back in the second half to create a very tense ending to the game.
However, Slot’s side managed to hold out and claim all three points, with a few players in particular shining and having an afternoon to remember.
Hugo Ekitike made a name for himself on his first Merseyside derby after scoring the first goal, and his performance may have just given his manager an even bigger headache.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Ever since he arrived, Ekitike has led the line for Liverpool to great effect, with the Frenchman the only new signing to truly hit the ground running.
He has four goals involvements in five league games, with the latest being a cool finish to put the Reds 1-0 up against Everton.
He has clearly not been affected by the arrival of Alexander Isak either, with his impressive performances continuing despite the Swede getting the nod over him in the Champions League midweek.
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But on Saturday, Ekitike was back in from the start and played another starring role in the win, with Wayne Rooney believing that he was ‘fantastic’ in the way he took his goal.
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The problem Slot has now is finding a way to give both of them a good amount of game time without upsetting the other, although most fans would say Ekitike simply cannot be dropped.
However, after costing £125m, it would be very unlikely to see Isak sit on the bench at all when he is fully fit, suggesting Slot has a big selection dilemma on his hands.
With both costing so much money and having talent in abundance, having either of them sat on the bench may feel a little ridiculous.
With that said, Slot may try and find a way to play both in the same team together, and he might not even have to change formation.
Ekitike has hinted at playing alongside Isak, and as the Frenchman is able to play off the left, this is something Slot might try to accommodate both of them.
He has played there for Eintracht Frankfurt in the past and already drifts out there a lot anyway, suggesting it is not a massive risk.
Isak is also an out-and-out number nine so he cannot really move out wide, indicating that it will be Ekitike who has to make way for him one way or another.