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Slot Hails Ekitike as Liverpool’s Go-To Striker in Revival

Slot credits improved fitness plus set-piece buy-in for Liverpool’s upturn.

Overview

  • Ekitike has eight Premier League goals, including five in his last three, after starting the season as a backup.
  • With Alexander Isak out for roughly two months with a broken leg and Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, Ekitike has become central to Liverpool’s attack.
  • Slot says the 23-year-old has worked to reach a higher fitness level and accepted defensive responsibilities at set-pieces.
  • Liverpool have conceded 11 set-piece goals and scored three for a minus-eight balance, a weakness Slot highlighted even as results have improved into the top five.
  • Slot identified Federico Chiesa as a No. 9 alternative to manage workload, and Liverpool host bottom club Wolverhampton on Saturday.