French media respond to Hugo Ekitike’s latest France display, explain what ‘will be remembered’
Arne Slot should not play Hugo Ekitike in one position after the Liverpool striker failed to impress in France’s win over Azerbaijan.
The Dutchman may have been keeping a close eye on France’s World Cup qualifying match with Ibrahima Koante also in the starting XI.
Following Liverpool’s purchase of Alexander Isak from Newcastle too during the summer, Slot is still yet to find the right formula to fit the Sweden striker and Ekitike in the same line-up.
Ekitike scored five goals in his first eight appearances for Liverpool, but the 23-year-old has only found the net once since.
Hugo Ekitike fails to impress in France win
Slot has also been unable to get the best out of Florian Wirtz, whose form has been criticised at Liverpool amid zero goal contributions in the Premier League so far.
Luis Diaz’s departure from Liverpool to Bayern Munich has also left a hole on the left flank, which Ekitike has taken up with Isak in the side on a couple of occasions.
Ekitike took up the left flank spot for France against Azerbaijan, but the striker was ineffective despite his nation having 74% possession.
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Touches | 44 |
| Touches in opposition box | 7 |
| Big Chances Missed | 1 |
Whilst the French newspaper Le Parisien, [16 November], gave a damning verdict on Ekitike’s display: “Three days after his sensational debut against Ukraine, the Liverpool striker was far less convincing.
“On the left wing, he struggled to get into shooting positions and didn’t connect well with his strike partner, Mateta. His tireless work rate, however, will be remembered.”
Arne Slot conundrum continues
Isak may still need to build up his fitness, but when the 26-year-old is fit and firing, Slot will be under pressure to start him given the huge £125million price tag.
Ekitike will also not be happy starting games on the bench, so Slot faces a dilemma keeping both players happy.
Slot has not yet switched formation to combine the pair up-front in the same team, with the Dutchman sticking to his favoured 4-2-3-1.
A natural winger in Cody Gakpo has currently seen the best results for Slot down the left flank, and Ekitike has proven so far that he cannot fulfil the position.