Arne Slot Tells Hugo Ekitike to Improve One Thing after Impressive Liverpool Start | OneFootball

Arne Slot Praises Hugo Ekitike but Still Wants More from the £69m Man

When Liverpool appointed Arne Slot as manager in May 2024, there was intrigue and curiosity. After all, taking over from a figure as iconic as Jurgen Klopp would test any coach. Yet Slot wasted little time. His first season ended with Liverpool lifting the Premier League title, a statement that he was not here to manage transition, but to build a winning side of his own.

The Dutchman’s methods have been evident from the opening matches of this campaign too. His tactical clarity, high pressing philosophy and calm authority are already shaping the squad into a side with rhythm, resilience and ruthlessness.

Hugo Ekitike’s Lightning Start

Among the most eye-catching stories of Liverpool’s early season is the arrival of Hugo Ekitike. Signed for £69 million from Eintracht Frankfurt, the French forward has made an instant impact. Three games, three goals, and a piece of history to his name. The 22-year-old became the first player since Daniel Sturridge in 2013 to score in each of his first three Liverpool appearances.

Photo: IMAGO

His goals have come in significant moments too. Ekitike struck against Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield at Wembley, followed by a goal and assist in Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield on the opening weekend. He then scored the decisive second goal in the 3-2 victory at Newcastle United, a performance that underlined his composure and instinct in high-pressure situations.

Slot’s Assessment of Ekitike

Arne Slot has not hidden his satisfaction with Liverpool’s new number nine. Speaking after the win at St James’ Park, he praised both the striker’s finishing and his involvement in the wider team structure.

“I think he has already made a big impact in the attacking part of our game. Not only scoring goals but also being part of build-up situations where he was someone that started the attack or was part of us starting an attack. I’m talking about a difference a bit more than last season, although when Lucho [Luis Diaz] played there he was also a lot of times part of our build-up.”

Slot also highlighted where Ekitike can grow. “The most simple answer to what he can improve is his match fitness. I expect him to do even a lot, a lot more without the ball than he already does, because he’s already working hard. There he can improve, which is completely normal because he has to adjust from a different league, from a different playing style. Frankfurt pressed but not as much as we try to do.”

Adapting to Champions League Demands

Liverpool will return from the international break with the Champions League back on the agenda, and Slot was quick to point out the different demands. “Then coming to a different country, coming to a different league, there’s a lot for him to handle. And then [when] we come back after the international break, it’s Champions League games added to that, where he was used to playing, I think, Europa League – which is also a good level but not as high as [the] Champions League.”

The message is clear. Liverpool have secured a talent who can decide matches, but his development is only beginning. Slot has already overseen one major triumph in England. If Ekitike adapts at the rate his early weeks suggest, there could be many more to come.