Merson insists Ekitek must start for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur
As Liverpool prepare for their eagerly awaited clash with Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday night, Paul Merson believes Arne Slott cannot leave one player out of his starting XI: Hugo Ekitic. With Mo Salah unavailable due to playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Slott has the opportunity to bring on the in-form Frenchman, who has improved in recent weeks, scoring in consecutive Premier League games.
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Ekitike shares continue to rise at Liverpool
The 23-year-old has proven himself to be an important asset to Liverpool in recent weeks, with a brace against Brighton last weekend underlining his growing importance to the team. His two goals in that game took his tally to four in the past two league games, an impressive achievement considering the struggles of some of his team-mates. Notably, Alexander Isak also scored the same goal in his first 15 games for Liverpool, underscoring the depth of Ekitic’s recent form.
Such performances have caught the attention of those within the football world, with Milan’s Olivier Giroud backing Ekitek’s possible call-up to the France national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Despite Didier Deschamps’ wealth of attacking talent, Ekitic’s ability to score makes him an intriguing prospect.
Merson’s strong opinion on starting XI
In his weekly Premier League predictions column for Sportskeeda, Merson said he believes Ekitic must start ahead of Isak against Spurs. He wrote: “Hugo Ekitic has to be ahead of Alexander Isak in this game. When we see Isak struggle, it just reminds us how important it is to have proper pre-season preparation. If Liverpool win, they will probably finish in the top four or five, so they should play Ekitic.”
Photo: IMAGO
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Merson’s words reflect the significance of Ekitic’s current form, which is nothing short of sensational. Slott will be wise to start his in-form forwards as the Reds travel to north London with the chance of climbing up the Premier League table.
Is Ekitek a lone striker or part of a double action?
While Ejitek seems almost certain to be in the starting lineup, the question remains whether he will be used as a lone striker or paired with Isak. Slott has deployed a two-forward formation before, most notably in Liverpool’s away win over Inter Milan in the Champions League. Ekitic and Isak started together in a diamond midfield, forming a 4-4-2 formation.
The Swedish striker has faced fitness issues all season and with Salah and Cody Gakpo both sidelined, Slott can opt for a two-man forward line, as he did at Milan. However, tactical decisions are far from straightforward. If Isaac continues to struggle with form, Ekitic will likely become the focal point of the offense.
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Ejitek’s impact on Liverpool’s fourth-place finish
Liverpool’s chances of finishing in the top four will depend in part on Ekitic’s continued excellence. With Salah unavailable and the club short of wide players, Ekitic’s clinical finishing and confidence in front of goal will be crucial for a Tottenham side desperate to regain form. Given his recent performance, it would be surprising if Sloter didn’t select him in the starting lineup.
All eyes were on the team announcement 75 minutes before kick-off, but it looked like Ekitech’s place in the starting XI was all but sealed.
