Liverpool star needs time on the bench as Arne Slot ploy highlights transfer need

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Ian Doyle with the talking points following Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final first leg at Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday eveningHugo Ekitike was a man in demand before a ball was even kicked here at Paris Saint-Germain, his turn to be the player thrust in front of the cameras for a touchline pre-match chat.As someone who spent two years on the books at the Parc des Princes, it was perhaps a surprise to hear him roundly jeered by the few thousand home fans inside the stadium when he then ventured on to pitch.After an unexpected and - with Alexander Isak struggling - necessary strong start to his Liverpool career this season, Ekitike has found life more difficult of late with just two goals in 11 appearances going into this reunion.And with Isak on the bench for the first time since breaking his leg just before Christmas, this seemed an opportune time for the Frenchman to regain his verve.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageEkitike was understandably keen to impress.

While there was no questioning his work ethic – only Florian Wirtz covered more ground in the first half – he was let down by some unnecessary flicks and tricks when an ability to keep hold of possession and relieve the pressure on the rearguard would have been preferred.The striker’s evening was summed up 15 minutes from time when, having been released by Wirtz, he fell over the ball attempting some overly-elaborate footwork on the edge of the area and the chance was lost.Ekitike was hooked moments later for Isak’s first outing of the year. He needs a breather.Dark arts highlight transfer needIf you can’t beat 'em, join 'em.

And having regularly aired his frustrations over the spoiling tactics of opponents this season, here Arne Slot decided to embrace such an approach.From Arsenalesque long throws, obvious attempts to slow down the game and even, in the case of Alexis Mac Allister almost sending Desire Doue into orbit, blatant fouls, Liverpool were more than happy to do whatever possible to put PSG off their game and disrupt their rhythm.It wasn’t the most convincing attempt to bully an opponent – the Reds simply don’t have the players to do that at present – but it was a much-needed step in that direction from a team that would benefit from more of that experience.That has to be a factor when the latest round of squad strengthening begins in the summer transfer market.The Reds weren’t always helped by pernickety Spanish referee Jose Maria Sanchez, who responded to an excellent tackle from Joe Gomez by booking the defender and later ignored Mac Allister having his foot stood on by Willian Pacho near the edge of the area.At least the official had the good sense to reverse his initial decision to give a penalty for a good tackle by Ibrahima Konate on Warren Zaire-Emery having consulted his pitchside monitor.Salah puzzleIt says much about the state of play at Liverpool right now that when the line-up here was confirmed, the fact the club’s record scorer in this competition had been dropped to the bench didn’t initially register.In fairness, being among the substitutes on the road in the Champions League has been nothing new for Mohamed Salah this season, this the third time in six games with him being left out completely for the win at Inter Milan.Salah couldn’t have any complaints given his recent form. What was unusual, though, was that the Egyptian remained there throughout despite Liverpool being so toothless in attack.That said, the reception from the 2,000-plus away fans after the final whistle indicated they had no qualms with Liverpool’s effort and application.