Hugo Ekitike is improving one area of his game that has been a 'big help' to Liverpool, says Arne Slot

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I know when they lost at Plymouth, Slot was furious with Chiesa.”Lewis Steele on Federico ChiesaCredit: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images 👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Liverpool are looking to make it six games unbeaten when they travel to North London.The Lilywhites, on the other hand, have won just one of their last five league matches and sit 11th in the table prior to the weekend’s action getting underway.Despite this, Jamie Carragher wants two Tottenham players at Liverpool amid their questionable defensive record this season.Arne Slot praises Hugo Ekitike before TottenhamAhead of Saturday’s tie, Arne Slot spoke to the press on Friday morning.During his time with the media, the Dutchman was asked about Hugo Ekitike.The Frenchman sits as Liverpool’s top goalscorer in 2025/26, but Slot is not surprised by how well the summer addition is doing in the final third.He was, however, quick to point out the improvements in the defensive side of the striker’s game, saying it is a ‘big help’ to the team.Slot said: “No he didn’t [surpass expectations] because we knew who we had signed.

But he has improved a lot how much he runs in the games and works. I am more excited to see what he is doing defensively.” Who is your least favourite opposition player of all-time?

Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Alexander Isak vs Hugo EkitikeIn the same presser, Slot spoke about having a rare full week to train with his team in the build-up to Tottenham.He said: “I think it is always helpful for a manager to work on the training pitch [for a full week]. Next week it is the same, so I have liked it and it is a mini pre-season for us.”While Alexander Isak didn’t, as Slot mentioned, join until the end of the summer window, he’s now had plenty of time to get up to speed as a Red.However, Isak is struggling for form, and in his stead, Ekitike has been leading the line well.Perhaps we will see something different from the Swede this weekend after a full week of training, but if his performances don’t improve soon, it may put even more pressure on the British transfer record signing and see him kept out of the centre-forward role on a more regular basis.