Liverpool’s performance against Eintracht Frankfurt brought out the best in most players, especially Hugo Ekitike.
The Reds picked up their first win after a run of five defeats in Germany against Eintracht Frankfurt as they thumped Dino Toppmoller’s side 5-1 away from home in a much-needed response to their nightmare streak.
There were many positives to take from this game, with Liverpool looking like a team that had full control over the game at times, especially with some exceptional midfield displays from Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike.
When looking at other individual performances, Ekitike’s first start since the Galatasaray game did not disappoint when he equalised in the first half with a brilliant touch and finish.
One change that you can pinpoint for this game, which made the display one to watch, was the fact that Arne Slot decided to take some tougher decisions and field a starting XI that did not rely on the same players from the previous losses.
Hugo Ekitike proved that he should not have been dropped in the Premier League
It was a decisive change from what we are used to seeing from the Dutchman, who is used to playing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Milos Kerkez with regularity, despite their lack of form.
However, it has been exposed that the decision to drop the Frenchman for the past two Premier League games was an oversight by Slot, considering the way the forward carried himself.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s player ratings vs Eintracht Frankfurt as Florian Wirtz shines in new role
Not only did he prove his versatility by starting on the right-hand side, but he also drifted across the forward line, finding space, switching with his fellow attackers to create chances for the Reds.
When looking at the games he did not start in against Chelsea and Manchester United, they were almost perfect for him to show his extraordinary qualities on the pitch.
In a game like the one at Stamford Bridge, the amount of space on offer suited the 23-year-old to a tee, and even forgetting how both teams set up, he has the best track record of delivering this season.
It is definitely important to give a player such as Alexander Isak gametime for the fitness and the money spent. However, it should not overshadow the tactical approach of the team, who felt like it did in those previous games.
Hugo Ekitike will start against Brentford
Given that the Swedish striker has picked up a groin injury, Ekitike will have to start the Brentford game this weekend.
However, even if the 26-year-old was not injured, on the strength of the performance of the French international, he more than deserves it.
The majority of successful dribbles won, winning ground duels, and maintaining a 90% pass accuracy prove beyond a shadow of a doubt why he is an undroppable player when it comes to this Liverpool team.
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