And, while it’s certainly a risk due to the 2024-25 season being the only one where Ekitike has scored over 10 goals, the potential he has is immense.

There’s no denying that Szoboszlai is one of the best pressing players in the Premier League.

Liverpool overlooked a worrying trend to go big on Hugo Ekitike, now he must prove them right - opinion	Hugo Ekitike could wear a squad number that has not been used at Liverpool since 2023 - opinion	Dominik Szoboszlai's ex-teammate made feelings clear on unexpected new Liverpool role

The Hungary international was among Slot’s best performers last season as he managed to help out in both attack and defence.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

“Ekitike is a bit of a lanky striker, 6’2, but [he’s] actually quite a good technician and he’s also someone who can dribble and come from outside of the box,” Eckner said.

“There’s also something else which probably is highly valued by Arne Slot, he’s a great pressing player.

“You’ve got Dominik Szoboszlai, who’s one of the best pressing players in the Premier League and adding Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, so they might be a force to be reckoned with.”

As pressing is a massive part in the way that both Szoboszlai and Ekitike play football, it’s clear that Slot has a specific profile of player in mind when it comes to his first-team squad.

Last season, Liverpool were one of the most dominant teams in the Premier League, with hardly any teams getting the better of them, that is, until the latter end of the season, of course.



Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

However, now that players such as Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and potentially Ekitike are all being brought in, it’s clear that Slot wants an injection of youth into his set-up.