Arne Slot says there’s one area where Hugo Ekitike needs to seriously improve

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Arne Slot has sent a clear message to Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike ahead of their meeting with Manchester City.The Dutchman has confirmed that Alexander Isak returned to training on Friday after being sidelined for three weeks.While not confirmed, it is likely that he will not be ready to feature, or at the very least, start, the Man City fixture.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Therefore, it seems obvious that Hugo Ekitke will be the starting number nine, and Slot has told him where he must improve.Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty ImagesArne Slot tells Hugo Ekitike to be better in duelsSpeaking to the media on Friday, Slot stated that the Frenchman must be stronger in aerial duels.He said: “That is what makes him [Ekitike] special, if you’re that tall and your footwork is as good as his.

“That’s what makes him special, if you’re so tall, he needs to be stronger in duels.”Ekitike stands at 6ft 3in tall, but despite his height, he hasn’t been great in the air since arriving at Anfield.According to FotMob, he has challenged for 11 aerial duels during the 2025/26 Premier League season so far but won just 37.9% of them.Hugo Ekitike decision looming for Arne SlotBut while the 23-year-old has one clear area in which to improve, he has still been an impactful additionEkitike already has six goals and one assist in 15 matches on the back of his move from Eintracht Frankfurt.He is expected to lead the line once more on Sunday, but as Isak nears his return, Slot has a big dilemma to solve.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesJamie Carragher is confused by Liverpool’s striker business, questioning why both Ekitke and the Swede were signed.He said: “My mind boggles going forward how this is going to work, but right now Ekitike’s got the shirt, he’s playing really well and it will probably do Isak a little bit of good if he’s out of the team to build his fitness up in training more.”After Man City, Liverpool return to action on November 22 versus Nottingham Forest. Isak should be closer to full fitness at that point, and Slot will have to decide whether he gets the nod over Ekitike.