No Isak, No Problem? Slot Demands Next-Level Physicality From Ekitike Ahead Of Wolves Clash

In their most recent Premier League outing, Arne Slot’s Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over a nine-man Tottenham side, though the win was overshadowed by a significant injury to Alexander Isak.

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Despite the chaotic finish and a late push from Spurs, Liverpool took advantage of their numerical superiority after Xavi Simons was dismissed in the first half.

Isak opened the scoring in the 56th minute, but his game ended shortly after; a challenge from Micky van de Ven resulted in a fractured leg for the Swedish striker. Following surgery this past Monday, Isak is set for a lengthy recovery period of several months. His absence begins immediately, ruling him out of Liverpool’s upcoming match against Wolves.

Hugo Ekitike is set to take on a primary scoring role, but his manager insists there is still room for growth. Ahead of Liverpool’s match against Wolves, Arne Slot noted that while Ekitike’s physical strength is improving under his new responsibilities, he still needs to develop further.

“I don’t think he changed a lot in all his offensive qualities. He’s fast, he can score a goal, he has great footwork, he’s got dribbling skills. He has so much in his locker, I think that’s the way you say it here.

“I think he’s adjusted to the Premier League now. Now he has to not only adjust but make sure, with his physique, how fast he is. He can become also physically outstanding, and that’s where he’s working really hard.

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“By the way, in the last three, four minutes, he was very, very, very tired in the Tottenham game as well. I see this more often but that is maybe also because so many of the same players constantly have to play, there’s hardly any rest for them.

“I have to give them a lot of compliments that they constantly can bring what they are bringing, playing so many games, hardly any rest because we don’t have so many chances to rotate. Every single time they fight, fight, fight from the first second until the last and Hugo is one of them.”

While Manager Slot transitioned quickly from demanding strength to praising Ekitike, he spared no sympathy for Van de Ven. During a defensive slide, Van de Ven caught Isak awkwardly; the striker’s leg became pinned between the defender’s limbs and was forced into a painful-looking contortion.

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