Arne Slot was finally proven right about Hugo Ekitike during Man City vs Liverpool - opinion
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Arne Slot has received a lot of criticism this season, but he was more than right about Hugo Ekitike’s versatility.Liverpool started the clash against Manchester City very well, dominating in a new-look 4-2-2-2 formation that had no proper wingers.Ekitike was technically playing as a striker alongside Mohamed Salah, but the Frenchman enjoyed much success off the left, something Slot predicted a while ago. Who was Liverpool’s worst player during the abysmal defeat against Man City?
Some PATHETIC displays 😡 Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images Arne Slot always knew Hugo Ekitike could play off the leftOne of the problems the Dutchman has had this season is how he will fit both Ekitike and Alexander Isak into the same XI.Isak has to play when fit, given his price tag, while the former Eintracht Frankfurt man has shone since his summer transfer.That issue seems to have been solved with the system deployed in the FA Cup, and Ekitike’s display, which pleased fans, proved Slot was right about him being able to play off the left.When asked about Liverpool’s two new strikers back in November 2025, Slot stated: “Hugo could also play off the left in my opinion or maybe around Alex where Alex is more of a out and out is I think the way you say it out and out nine.“He’s just the finisher of the attacks, could drop into midfield.“But Hugo is yeah, maybe more a player that also likes to drop more in spaces coming off the left, where Alex I think prefers to be in the middle.” Is it time for Van Dijk to join Salah this summer and leave Liverpool? The errors are beginning to pile up… Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images Why new Liverpool formation was a problem for Man CityGranted, Man City did end up taking the lead from a penalty, but that was more due to a silly challenge from Virgil van Dijk, rather than a reflection on the game.The 4-2-2-2 was impactful, and as Ally McCoist explained when speaking live on commentary for TNT Sports, City defenders struggled to know who to mark.He said: “They’re not playing a nine at all, Liverpool.
Salah wide right, Ekitike wide on the left, Wirtz in the ten, so the city defenders have nobody to pick up.”The system tweak should also make replacing Salah much easier, as Liverpool will not have to go out and spend millions on a like-for-like replacement. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox