Arne Slot told Hugo Ekitike issue as Liverpool ‘question’ needs answers

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Liverpool and Arne Slot continue to face questions over their strike partners as Hugo Ekitike faces the chance to reaffirm his importanceJeremie Aliadiere has questioned whether Hugo Ekitike's importance to Liverpool will be impacted by Alexander Isak. The conversation this season has been dominated by how the France international and Liverpool's £125million signing play together in the same squad.READ MORE: Rio Ngumoha changed Liverpool summer transfer plans as Arne Slot learns of £75m asking priceREAD MORE: Arsenal legend addresses 'unusual' situation at Liverpool and 'interesting' Arne Slot solutionIsak's involvement has been hampered by a fractured pre-season after he forced a move away from Newcastle United.However, Aliadiere, the French under-21 international who won the Premier League with Arsenal, believes that Isak and the 23-year-old will play together, but expressed concerns over Ekitike.Top player, absolutely a top player," he said, speaking to the ECHO via WhichBookie.

"My question will be, will the arrival of Isak change something?"That’s my question to Liverpool, you could buy Isak, a top player, but if I’m Ekitike, ‘I’m on the bench, I’m not going to be very happy. I want to play games, I was playing every game before he arrived and now I’m in competition with him’."I think they will play together at some point but I’d be disappointed being on the bench, I’d want to play every single game.

I proved last year that I was a goalscorer and I could score goals so it’s how he will manage."The Swede suffered a groin issue against Frankfurt and is a doubt for this weekend which could open the door for Ekitike to have a sustained run, having already built the authority after his blistering start to the season.Aliadiere added: "It all depends, having competition is always good, you need competition and as long as it’s fair and not related to the price-tag or how much you’ve paid for Ekitike or Isak because if you start playing Isak over him because he’s worth more money then I’d be a bit disappointed."Against Manchester United, he came on and the first two or three balls, he’s not looking to pass the ball or play for anyone apart from himself, is that something he would have done if he started every game?"I’m not sure, I saw him shooting from 30 yards and I’m thinking, ‘you might have made a better pass there’, but because he’s come on, he’s trying to impress and have an impact, it’s a little bit selfish in some ways."I think is Liverpool going to create that selfishness between both to prove who is better and who is starting, that’s competition for the manager to deal with."Liverpool sale knocks up to 60% off kits and merchThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.Follow us on Twitter @‌LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.