Ekitike’s Substitution Sparks Slot’s Concerns…
Liverpool’s head honcho Arne Slot was quite taken by Hugo Ekitike’s fireworks display—without any real fireworks, of course—during the Community Shield match against Crystal Palace. But Slot quickly substituted Ekitike on 71 minutes, wary of his $106 million (£79 million) striker’s fitness as if the man might melt like the Wicked Witch of the West if he played longer. With Nunez shipping off to Al-Hilal and Diaz now a German sensation, Slot’s forward options seem as scarce as vegan options at a BBQ. Plus, Liverpool is eyeing a chase for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
“It’s always fantastic to score, not just for Hugo but for Jeremie Frimpong too,” Slot declared, though scoring goals doesn’t magically fix every issue—unless perhaps you’re a witch with a wand. Ekitike joined the Reds just weeks ago, dashing in at the end of their Asia tour like the last-minute hero in an action movie. Slot mused about potentially jinxing other games like a slapstick magician: “If he gets hurt, we’d be in big trouble for matches against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Arsenal.” With only Salah and Gakpo sticking around, Liverpool’s forwards are more elusive than Bigfoot, intensifying the pursuit for reinforcements.
