Kylian Mbappe sent a clear message to Arne Slot over Hugo Ekitike during full France debut last night - opinion
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Hugo Ekitike is enjoying his time on international duty with France, alongside Kylian Mbappe and company, since receiving his first call-up in August.The Frenchman has hit it off for Liverpool since leaving Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, with five goal contributions so far this season. It looks like a match made in heaven for the Reds.Arne Slot and the club were keen in this transfer window to bolster the side, especially in terms of attacking threat, signing the French international and Alexander Isak in the same window.They join an already stacked forward line of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, who have been consistent performers for the Reds this season.But so far, Ekitike has not been partnered with Isak and instead, the pair have rotated on a few occasions this season.Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty ImagesKylian Mbappe partnership proves Hugo Ekitike can play with top forward Alexander IsakUnusually, the pair have not been tested together even though Ekitike can play off the left and does not have to stick to that central position.While it has not happened so far this season, after France’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, it is clear that there is an option for Slot to play his two star forwards together.READ MORE: Liverpool eyeing move for Eduardo Camavinga as Real Madrid star fails to win over Xabi AlonsoThe 22-year-old assisted the Real Madrid star Mbappe in the 3-0 win, and it is no surprise that it worked so well.It was a free-flowing partnership, which showed exactly why the Dutch manager needs to implement a joint attack with Isak once Liverpool return.There was a fear from the manager that he could not play these top forwards together, but the message here is that it is a necessity for his team.Away from the Mbappe partnership, how well he worked with Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman, despite them playing so far forward, showed that it does not take anything away from an attack but enhances it.Imagine a forward line that features Isak, Ekitike, and Salah, maybe even Gakpo.
It would take the league by storm if implemented.Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak should start in the Manchester United gameWhile it would not be the best idea to move the Dutch player off the wing, for one game, it should happen to show what Isak and Ekitike can do together.Given the next game will be in front of an incredible Anfield crowd and against rivals Manchester United, it has to be done.The Red Devils have been quite open this season, and their defence trying to handle the firepower of both those players would be too much to handle.