As Liverpool prepare to resume their Premier League campaign after the international break, much of the spotlight has turned not to the club’s results, but to the one player many fans believe deserves far more recognition — **Hugo Ekitike**.
The Reds have endured a rough patch under Arne Slot, suffering **three consecutive defeats** that have left supporters questioning both team selection and attacking chemistry. Yet while club football pauses, Ekitike is thriving elsewhere — making an **impressive debut for France** that has reignited debate over Slot’s approach to the talented 23-year-old forward.
#### **A Missed Opportunity in Plain Sight**
Signed from **Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million**, Ekitike arrived at Anfield amid huge anticipation. Liverpool had beaten off competition from **Newcastle United** and several top European clubs to secure his signature. The French striker immediately introduced himself to the fans by scoring in the **Community Shield**, signaling that he was ready to deliver at the highest level.
But since then, Ekitike’s Liverpool career has been strangely muted. Despite flashes of brilliance and strong showings in brief appearances, **he is yet to complete a full 90 minutes** under Arne Slot. While most would expect that to change soon, his latest international performance has turned murmurs of frustration into full-blown criticism.
#### **Ekitike Shines for France While Liverpool Wait**
During France’s **3–0 win over Azerbaijan**, Ekitike started alongside **Kylian Mbappé** — and looked every bit at home among world-class company. His intelligent movement, quick interplay, and natural finishing caught the attention of **Didier Deschamps**, who praised his composure and link-up play.
For Liverpool fans, it was bittersweet. The same qualities that earned him a France start are precisely what supporters feel have been underused at Anfield. Many are now pointing to Slot’s rigid selection choices, particularly his reliance on **Alexander Isak**, as a key reason for the team’s recent attacking struggles.
#### **The Isak Dilemma**
Liverpool’s summer rebuild brought in some major names — **Ekitike, Isak, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez** — forming what looked like a bold new era under Slot. Yet that very ambition has created unexpected challenges.
Isak, signed from Newcastle and still finding his rhythm after fitness setbacks, has remained Slot’s preferred choice up front. His quality is undeniable, but the system often isolates him, leaving Liverpool’s attack short of fluidity and unpredictability — two traits Ekitike offers in abundance.
Ekitike himself has handled the situation with remarkable maturity.
> “It’s fun. You expect tough competition when you’re at a top club,” he said recently. “Isak’s arrival motivates me even more.”
His professionalism is clear, but so too is his hunger. In limited minutes, Ekitike has already produced **3 goals, 1 assist, and an average rating of 7.11** — figures that suggest he’s more than ready for a bigger role.
#### **Fans Want Change — and a New Strike Partnership**
After witnessing Ekitike’s chemistry with Mbappé for France, many Liverpool supporters are calling for Slot to **experiment with a dual strike force** featuring both Ekitike and Isak. Social media has been buzzing with calls for tactical bravery:
> “If Deschamps can make Ekitike work with Mbappé, Slot can make him work with Isak.”
Another comment summed up the general sentiment:
> “Playing one and benching the other is wasting talent. Together, they’d destroy defences.”
#### **The Road Ahead**
As **Manchester United** prepare to visit **Anfield** after the break, pressure is mounting on Slot to find solutions — and fast. A front two of Isak and Ekitike could provide exactly the spark Liverpool need: power, pace, and a touch of unpredictability that’s been missing in recent weeks.
Ekitike’s performance for France wasn’t just a good debut — it was a reminder of what Liverpool have on their hands. A forward brimming with confidence, intelligence, and potential, waiting for his chance to shine on Merseyside.
For Arne Slot, the message couldn’t be clearer: it might be time to unleash Ekitike fully, before another opportunity slips away.
