The pair have yet to share a minute on the pitch, but Ekitique said they hope to one day fit into the same team.
“He’s a very good player,” Ekitique told TNT Sports. “I always saw him before I came here. It’s really good for me to be here. I can learn and improve myself.
“There is competition, but we know we play together and make a difference, and we hope we will share the pitch one day.
“It’s a coach’s problem. For me, I’m at work, so it’s really good.”
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Ekitike doubles Liverpool’s lead with a Merseyside Derby debut with a “Brilliant” finish
Video Credit: TNT Sports
Slot said:
“Maybe in the long run, they’ll feel like, ‘What does this mean for my playing time?’ But they both know that it’s impossible – I’m not saying it’s impossible, it’s very difficult for them to play 90 (every week’s worth) three times.
“Hugo (23) comes from a new, intensity league from another league, and plays three games in seven days. Those who are used to it, Ryan (Greignbellch), Dominique Sobosrai, Virgil (Van Dik), Eve (Conate), Missouri (Sarah) – they’re used to it.
“But the new stuff is difficult for them. The other teams we compete in have multiple strikers as well.
“You can ask this question about every position. You can go to all the managers in the league and ask him about two strikers, two No. 7, two No. 11s.
“That’s why everyone loves this league because there are so many of this leagues. Yes, like many other teams in this league, there are two very good No. 9s too.”
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“No headache at all” with competition between Isak and Ekitike, Slot says
Video Credit: TNT Sports
For Isak and Ekitike to share the same pitch, it is expected that the ubiquitous Mohamed Salah or regular starter Cody Gakpo will have to make a path.
And TNT Sports expert Peter Crouch believes that Gakupo is showing enough to reward the faith placed on him by his manager.
“I thought he was great today as well. No doubt (he seems to trust the player’s slots), you can see why. He’s not disappointed with anyone. He was so strong and thought he was playing right in front of our eyes.
“He’s a manager’s dream. Sometimes, certain managers look outside, so I want more talented players out there.
“But he works hard. His attributes are the ball and his strength and his tackle. He wants to work for the team and he gives you a lot of progress too.
“It was enough for Lewis Diaz to be let go. He’s important to the slot. You can see him trusting him.”
