Liverpool fans hail future ‘superstar’ who was the only positive vs PSV – ‘Build the team around him’
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(Credit: Imago) Wed 26 November 2025 22:44, UK Arne Slot is set to face yet more pressure after his Liverpool team were beaten 4-1 on home turf by PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.The Reds have found wins difficult to come by in the Premier League in recent weeks, and their poor run of form translated across into continental action in their midweek clash.Goals from Ivan Perisic, Guus Til and a double from Couhaib Driouech condemned Slot’s side to a staggering ninth defeat in their last 12 games in all competitions.Dominik Szoboszlai’s first-half strike was ultimately meaningless for Liverpool, as few of their players escaped the match with any credit left in the eyes of the supporters.Credit: ImagoLiverpool told to build the team around Hugo EkitikeVirgil van Dijk has been vilified by Liverpool fans for the penalty that he conceded in the early stages of the game, with some supporters even questioning whether he was trying to get Slot sacked.Boos rang around Anfield at the full-time whistle as the Reds succumbed to a third defeat in their last five outings on home turf.It was a night to forget in every possible aspect for the six-time European champions, but Hugo Ekitike can still hold his head up high after the praise that he has received from the fans. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES The Frenchman was a constant thorn in the visitors’ side during the opening hour of the game, before he was ultimately forced off through injury.Need to build this team around Ekitike.
Can't be having him on the bench… the lads on a different level to everyone else. Quality footballer.— LB (@LBLFC_) November 26, 2025 View Tweet Liverpool fans were quick to praise the 23-year-old for his performance on X, despite the dire showing from the team, with one fan suggesting he will become a “superstar,” while another added “build the team around him.”Ekitike was also hailed as an “incredible footballer,” with another labelling him a “breath of fresh air.”Could massively do without Ekitike being injured tbh… 😭— Louise (@Swift__Girl) November 26, 2025 View Tweet Given the quality of his recent performances, there was also plenty of panic when he was taken off, with several fans suggesting that the team cannot afford him to be injured long-term.Hugo Ekitike injury is unlikely to be a long-term issueEkitike has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers since the start of the season, and they appear to have a real gem on their hands with the former Eintracht Frankfurt man.🎙️𝗤𝗨𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦 – Arne Slot on Hugo Ekitike: “It felt like he couldn’t move like he did in the first half.
That’s why our press was a bit off.”“He just told me in the first 5-10 mins of the first half he felt his back too much and that’s why he had to go out.” pic.twitter.com/Vlh6UaKJDo— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) November 26, 2025 View Tweet As a result, it is no surprise to have seen plenty of concern from the fanbase after he was withdrawn from the action early on Wednesday night.However, Slot has since confirmed that the attacker was only taken off as a result of him “feeling his back too much” in the early stages of the second half, which should hopefully present with the Reds with a relatively favourable outcome.A muscular problem or a joint issue would likely present a much longer potential lay-off for the youngster, while the hope will be that he may be able to recover from a seemingly minor back issue in a matter of days.