'I can't' - Hugo Ekitike's feelings clear on Alexander Isak forcing Liverpool change

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

Hugo Ekitike has made his feelings clear ahead of Alexander Isak's arrival(Image: Getty)

Hugo Ekitike has already revealed he's prepared to adapt his role to accommodate his Liverpool team-mates as they gear up to welcome Alexander Isak.

He's made a brilliant start to his Merseyside career, finding the net in the Community Shield and Liverpool's opening two Premier League fixtures this term.

Liverpool brought in Ekitike as they looked to add a focal point to their attacking play.



At the time of his signing, Isak wasn't anticipated to be available, but he subsequently became obtainable after making his desire to quit Newcastle clear.

The Reds are now set to splash out a British record £125m to secure his services, leaving them with two costly players competing for the same spot.

However, Ekitike has admitted he's eager to offer multiple options and will shift positions if it benefits the squad, potentially relinquishing his status as the team's leading striker, reports the Mirror.

Ekitike commented recently: "I mean, I do what the coach asks me to do, but yeah, I like to do everything.

I can't define myself only as a striker (who likes) to finish: I like to play, I like to be in the game, in the collective part of play (and) create also.

Isak looks set to pen a six-year deal on Merseyside(Image: Getty)

"So, I can do both – I can play alone and I like to play also with another striker and I think that's what makes me versatile, but you know now in football you need to adapt."

It's yet to be seen how Arne Slot plans to utilise Isak and Ekitike in his attacking line-up, or if one of them will have to settle for less playing time.

Equally, Ekitike could be pushed out wide, having shown a tendency to move into the channels.

Mohamed Salah has a firm hold on his position on the right, while Florian Wirtz has been brought in to play as a 10, making the prospect of Liverpool fielding two strikers unlikely.

Regardless, Ekitike's admission that he will do whatever his coach asks of him highlights just how much of a team player he is, and how valuable he could be to manager Slot.

Ekitike has shown his true colours(Image: Getty)

Speaking after Liverpool's 3-2 victory over Newcastle last week, Slot was asked about Ekitike, and stated: "I think he has 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 or was part of us starting an attack.

I'm talking about a difference a bit more than last season, although when Lucho [Luis Diaz] played there he was also a lot of times part of our build-up."

However, Isak's influence could aid in the one area Slot believes Ekitike can grow in, as the manager continued: "What he can improve is his match fitness.