Liverpool fans left raging by ‘crazy’ Hugo Ekitike decision vs Atletico
Liverpool are facing Atletico Madrid in their first game of the Champions League campaign, and there has already been a shock decision.
Arne Slot has made several changes from the Liverpool side which secured a last-gasp victory at Burnley, and there have been a few big calls.
Alexander Isak is making his Liverpool debut upfront after his British-record move to Anfield, while Andy Robertson has come in for Milos Kerkez.
Isak’s inclusion comes after he missed the entirety of pre-season on strike with Newcastle, and a big question may now have been answered over where he might fit in.
Hugo Ekitike dropped from Liverpool line-up
Hugo Ekitike also joined for a huge fee in the summer, and he enjoyed a superb start to life at Liverpool with three goals and an assist in his first five games.
It was mooted that Ekitike and Isak could play together, with one of them moving over to the wing, but Isak’s first appearance has come at the expense of the Frenchman.
- Ekitike signed from Frankfurt despite Newcastle’s interest in him, and has had a lightning start at Anfield.
- Liverpool then poached Isak from Newcastle as well, who replaced him with Nick Woltemade.
Ekitike has now been dropped to the bench for the Atletico game, and not every Liverpool fan is happy with the decision, given the strong form he is in.
Liverpool will need to get striker rotation right
Liverpool may have handed themselves a problem by signing two starting-calibre, big-money players in the same position, and whenever one is starting, many will be furious that the other is benched.
The Reds have a lot of games coming up in quick succession, and rotating both forwards will be crucial as Isak builds up his match fitness.
Isak may be brought off after 45 minutes against Atletico, and could be a substitute as Liverpool face Everton in the Merseyside derby next, with Ekitike still set to receive a lot of game time.
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