Ekitike Must Start for Liverpool Against Tottenham, Merson Insists
As Liverpool prepare for their eagerly anticipated clash with Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday evening, Paul Merson believes there’s one player Arne Slot cannot afford to leave out of his starting XI: Hugo Ekitike. With Mo Salah absent due to his commitments with Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Slot has an opportunity to feature the in-form Frenchman, who has found his stride in recent weeks, scoring in consecutive Premier League matches.
Ekitike’s Rising Stock at Liverpool
The 23-year-old has proven himself a vital asset to Liverpool in recent weeks, with his brace against Brighton last weekend highlighting his growing importance to the team. His two goals in that match brought his tally to four goals in his last two league outings, an impressive achievement considering the struggles of some of his teammates. Notably, Alexander Isak has scored the same number in his first 15 games for Liverpool, underscoring the depth of Ekitike’s recent form.
Such performances have caught the attention of figures within the football world, with Milan’s Olivier Giroud backing Ekitike for a potential call-up to the France national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Despite the wealth of attacking talent at Didier Deschamps’ disposal, Ekitike’s ability to find the back of the net has made him an intriguing prospect.
Merson’s Strong Opinion on the Starting Line-Up
In his weekly Premier League predictions column for Sportskeeda, Merson expressed his belief that Ekitike must start ahead of Isak against Spurs. He wrote: “Hugo Ekitike has to start ahead of Alexander Isak in this game. When we look at Isak’s struggles, it just reminds us how important it is to have a proper pre-season. Liverpool could be in the top four or top five if they win, so they should play Ekitike.”
Merson’s words reflect the importance of Ekitike’s current form, which has been nothing short of sensational. With the Reds heading to north London with the chance to climb the Premier League table, Slot would be wise to start his in-form striker.
Is Ekitike a Lone Striker or Part of a Double Act?
While it seems almost certain that Ekitike will feature in the starting XI, the question remains whether he will play as a lone striker or alongside Isak in a partnership. Slot has previously deployed a two-striker formation, most notably in Liverpool’s Champions League win away to Inter Milan, where Ekitike and Isak started together in a 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond.
The Swedish forward has faced fitness issues throughout the season, and with Salah and Cody Gakpo both sidelined, Slot could opt for a two-man forward line, just as he did in Milan. However, the tactical decision is far from straightforward. If Isak continues to struggle for form, it’s likely that Ekitike will be the focal point of the attack.
Ekitike’s Impact on Liverpool’s Top-Four Ambitions
Liverpool’s chances of securing a top-four finish hinge, in part, on the continued excellent performances of Ekitike. With Salah unavailable and the club light on wide players, Ekitike’s clinical finishing and confidence in front of goal will be crucial against a Spurs side desperate to regain their form. Given his recent performances, it would be a surprise if Slot doesn’t select him for the starting XI.
All eyes will be on the team announcement 75 minutes before kick-off, but it appears that Ekitike’s place in the starting line-up is almost a certainty.
