Hugo Ekitike sent brutal message by Ally McCoist after Alexander Isak debut
Hugo Ekitike was denied a start in the UEFA Champions League despite his stellar form for Liverpool.
Arne Slot opted to start Alexander Isak over Ekitike in Liverpool’s 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
Isak arrived at Liverpool on deadline day after a long-drawn-out transfer saga with Newcastle United.
There is no doubt that the Swede will be hoping to make an impact for the Reds. However, it may come at the Frenchman’s expense.
Hugo Ekitike should be worried about Alexander Isak’s arrival
It was suggested that Ekitike and Isak could play together at Liverpool. But that does not seem to be the trend at the moment.
Liverpool made European history against Atletico in the Champions League after netting two goals within two minutes and six seconds. However, Isak watched on as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson netted home for the Reds at Anfield.
While the home side were level by the 81st minute, Virgil van Dijk headed home the winner for Liverpool during stoppage time.
The 23-year-old came on as a substitute for Isak 58 minutes into the game.
On the back of Slot’s decision, Ally McCoist believes that Ekitike should be concerned about Isak’s arrival.
When asked whether the Frenchman should be worried while commentating on the game via TNT Sport on 17 September, he said: “Yes, but he’ll have to get used to it. So will a few others.”
How has Hugo Ekitike performed for Liverpool thus far?
Ekitike has started all four games for Liverpool in the Premier League, with it suggested that Ekitike was key for Slot.
- Ekitike has netted two goals and provided one assist in the league
- The striker has created four chances for Liverpool so far
- Ekitke currently has a 100 per cent long ball accuracy in the Premier League
He also netted for Liverpool in their defeat to Crystal Palace on penalties in the FA Community Shield. Given his stellar start, Reds fans will no doubt be wondering why he did not start in the Champions League and what this could mean for the future.
There is always the chance that Slot opts to play the two together later down the line. This could work as either a striker duo or Ekitike could be tested on the wings.
Either way, supporters are likely to see a lot of this duo as the season progresses.
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