Arne Slot has four back-up players who are in form and deserve a bigger role at Liverpool - opinion

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

Liverpool have an assortment of stars at their disposal, but Arne Slot is not making full use of their talents.The Reds returned from the international break yesterday with a 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield, which has greatly disappointed fans given the fact that they lost to their biggest rivals when it mattered most.This defeat has now meant that Liverpool have lost four games in all competitions, as they have dropped to fourth in the Premier League table, with the likelihood of this form ending almost non-existent.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Slot has many problems to solve and quickly, because he cannot afford to let his team slip any further than they already have in the league or Champions League.However, one problem with his decision-making this season has not been rewarding stars who have contributed on the pitch when they have started the game or come off the bench with a place in the starting XI regularly.To be exact, there are four that have been overlooked for many different reasons, and now is the right time to give them a start to prove that they definitely belong on the teamsheet more often.Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesHugo EkitikeHugo Ekitike may be a surprise to some on this list, but there is a good reason for it, given that he has not started since the loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League.The Frenchman has been dropped in two games in favour of Alexander Isak, which may seem the right idea in the Dutchman’s mind, but logically, the man who has four goal contributions in the league so far should start.READ MORE: Liverpool fans can’t ignore glaring sign which suggests their problems end with Arne SlotEkitike is one of those players who does not deserve to be dropped.

The 23-year-old is an exceptional talent with all the qualities you want in a centre-forward, with enough versatility to move out wide.Yes, Isak needs time, but the former Eintracht Frankfurt star cannot be denied his rightful place in the forward line. So, giving him two starts in this week’s fixtures should prove why he is the go-to man.Jeremie FrimpongIt has been admittedly difficult for Jeremie Frimpong to make his mark in this squad, given his injuries and struggles in some performances, whether that be at right-back or on the right wing.However, watching him in the game against the Red Devils, his cameo appearance was something to be proud of, adding some much-needed pace, energy, and most importantly, physicality.The way he was putting up a fight on the right flank and driving the ball forward should be enough to convince Slot to utilise him more often, as he is clearly getting used to the pace of the game.Frimpong at right-back would be the best option as that kind of creativity has been missing from many of Conor Bradley’s performances, but a right-wing stint may also not be the worst idea right now.Federico ChiesaThis season, there have been very few players who have made the same type of impact as Federico Chiesa has in his appearances off the bench and even his start in the League Cup against Southampton.So it begs the question of why Slot has, to put it bluntly, refused to use him.

Clearly, the manager is not a big believer in his ability to start, but this season he has shown that he can.Mohamed Salah has not been at his best, and allowing Chiesa to actually prove his place in the team has to happen if he wants fair competition and to diversify his options.With his five combined goal contributions this season, the Italian deserves a start in both of these next games instead of being left on the bench as an impact substitute.Curtis JonesCurtis Jones is one of those players who can do his job and do it very well. In some games, he can even play out of his skin.This season, he has been a great option from the bench and has not really put much of a foot wrong in many of his appearances.Last year, Jones was a perfect option to start compared to some of the other midfielders, and with Alexis Mac Allister not at his best, it seems like the best time to reintroduce him in some way.Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesThe Scouser can offer something different and can carry the ball forward competently, finding a neat pass or creating space, something which feels lacking in this team.A start in the Champions League should be a must and could really be an effective option to start more often in a rotation with Florian Wirtz.