Hugo Ekitike was treated to a harsh reality check from Liverpool after Arne Slot chose to start a record-breaking signing with the Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Anfield witnessed a fierce start when Andy Robertson and Mohamed Sarah spotted the net within the first five minutes. The first goal was scored by Robertson, who redirected Sarah’s free kick, and goalkeeper Jan Oblark was on fire.
Sarah quickly scored her third goal of the season. Thanks to a left-foot finish after a sharp pass to Atletico’s penalty area by Ryan Gravenburch. Isak had no reach for either goal, but as expected, his first touch was somewhat lacking, but he grew into the game.
This marks Isaac’s first start in almost four months, including the preseason, but Ally McCoist expects to feature regularly, at the expense of Ekitique’s playing time.
When co-commander Darren Fletcher asked about Ekitique’s unfortunate benching, McCoist replied frankly, “He’s better get used to it.”
Over the next few weeks, there is a greater chance that Ekitike will see more action than ISAK, especially given Atletico’s pre-match slot remarks.
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“He’s on the team so there’s definitely a chance,” Slot commented on his chances of making his debut at a pre-match press conference.
“Then you have the opportunity to play. Usually, I can say that 99.9% will certainly say, but I’m sure he won’t play 90 minutes. But he’s part of the team.
“It’s already a Champions League game I’m looking forward to, but if people are looking forward to his playing time, it means that could happen again tomorrow.
“What’s certain is that he won’t play 90 and the rest is all we’ll see tomorrow.”
Following the international break in October, ISAK could very well emerge as an uncontroversial first-choice striker, but with such a packed fixture list before this campaign, Ekitike will almost certainly be handed his considerable opportunity.
