Ally McCoist says Hugo Ekitike has one ‘magnificent’ attribute after watching him vs Atletico Madrid

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Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in their first Champions League clash of the season.

The game was held at Anfield and, although Diego Simeone’s men were on the front foot for most of the second half, Liverpool still managed to win.

Again, it was another late goal that saved them with Virgil van Dijk towering above Robin le Normand in the 91st minute.

Despite Liverpool winning the game, one of the main talking points from the tie was the fact that Alexander Isak finally made his debut.

Arne Slot chose to start the Sweden international, which left £69million man Hugo Ekitke on the bench despite the solid performances he’s been putting in.

However, that didn’t stop the Frenchman from making an impact when he was brought on.

Ally McCoist believes Hugo Ekitike’s movement was “magnificent” against Atletico Madrid

One of the key things that Ekitike has brought to Liverpool this season is his ability to create something from nothing.

Although the striker’s natural position is a number nine, he’s often seen dropping back into the midfield and then bobbing and weaving around Liverpool’s opponents.

The Frenchman has undoubtedly been one of Slot’s best players this term, and even though last season, Isak’s performances were better, it feels like Ekitike should be given as much of a chance to start as the former Newcastle man.

And, against Atletico, he once again proved that with Ally McCoist even dubbing his movement “magnificent” after what he did against Simeone’s men.

“Ekitike’s movement is nothing short of magnificent,” he said live on TNT Sports, in quotes relayed by BBC Sport.

“He goes to the front post and realises he has no chance of getting it, so [he] moves to the back post.

“But one thing I would say is he could’ve left space for Wirtz.”

Hugo Ekitike must prove he’s worth starting over Alexander Isak this season

Although you’d expect Ekitike’s form this season to have some say on whether he gets chosen over Isak, at the moment, that doesn’t feel likely.

Indeed, Isak may have cost Liverpool £125million, but if he doesn’t end up playing at his best, Slot should give the Frenchman a run out to try and prove his worth.

Of course, both could end up playing with one another if they’re played over Cody Gakpo, but in reality, it’s clear that Isak and Ekitike will perform to their best if they’re used as number nines.

At the moment, it’s anyone’s guess how the season could pan out, but if the former Eintracht Frankfurt man is sat on the bench for Liverpool’s next couple of games, when he’s brought on, he needs to show Slot that he’s made a mistake.

Otherwise, things will stay like that all season, which is far from ideal for a player of the Frenchman’s calibre.