'He can improve': Slot calls on Liverpool forward to work harder without the ball ahead of Alexander Isak arrival
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Liverpool are working towards a British record deal to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Isak’s arrival would represent the second time this summer in which the Reds have broken their own transfer record.
After tragically losing Diogo Jota and then selling Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, Liverpool have had to reshape their forward line over recent months.
While Isak joining is set to be the biggest of the incoming deals, Hugo Ekitike has also arrived for a big fee from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ekitike has started brilliantly well, scoring a goal in each of his first three appearances for the Reds.
But as fans wait for Isak’s addition to the Liverpool squad, Reds boss Arne Slot has called on Ekitike to make some improvements to his game.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Ekitike could hardly have asked for a better start to life at Liverpool.
And, when asked what Ekitike can improve on during his pre-Arsenal press conference on Friday, Slot pinpointed his work off the ball.
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“I think he’s already made a big impact in the attacking part of our game, not only scoring goals but also being part of build-up situations where he was someone that started the attack,” said the Liverpool head coach.
I expect him to do a lot, lot more without the ball than he already does, because he’s working hard, but there he can improve, which is completely normal coming from a different league and pressing style.”
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“There’s a lot for him to handle,” Slot added.
“And then coming back after the international break it’s Champions League games, he was used to playing Europa League so there is the main point of improvement.
“He came a bit later in pre-season so to adapt to the intensity levels without the ball I think there are small steps to make for him.”
With Isak seemingly set to join Liverpool over the coming days, there has been much debate surrounding what Slot’s forward line could look like.
However, there will be at least one more match for the Reds boss to navigate without his potential new No.
9: Arsenal on Sunday.
Given the quality Ekitike has displayed so far, there should be no concerns about him leading the line for one of Liverpool’s biggest games of the season.
If he can make it four goals in four games and hand Liverpool three points against a title rival, he can head into the international break delighted with his work.
Following the pause things could look a little different, but having been left out of France’s squad this time, Ekitike will have plenty of time on the training pitch to put things right.