Slot backs Ekitike to lead Liverpool attack after Isak injury

Arne Slot has thrown his support behind Hugo Ekitike to continue his surge in front of goal as Liverpool prepare for life without Alexander Isak, with the French forward stepping into greater responsibility at a crucial point in the season.

Ekitike has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers in his first campaign in England, and his importance has grown further following Isak’s broken leg. The 23-year-old underlined his value again by scoring the winner in a 2–1 victory away at Tottenham, extending the Reds’ unbeaten run and pushing them back into the Premier League top five.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt striker has now scored eight league goals and 11 across all competitions, placing him among the division’s leading scorers behind Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago. Five goals in his last three appearances highlight a forward hitting peak form just as Liverpool’s schedule intensifies.

Slot has repeatedly pointed to Ekitike’s development away from the spotlight as a key factor in that rise. The Liverpool head coach has praised the striker’s commitment to improving his physical condition and defensive work, believing it has sharpened his overall impact in matches.

That progress matters in the wider context of Liverpool’s season. After a difficult autumn, the Reds have steadied themselves with a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Improved defensive control and greater balance in tight games have allowed them to turn performances into results more consistently.

Anfield has responded to that renewed momentum, with confidence gradually returning to the stands. In recent fixtures, Liverpool have looked more compact early on, limiting opposition chances while allowing Ekitike and the attacking unit to grow into games through controlled buildup play.

Key moments have also swung in Liverpool’s favor. Slot has acknowledged that fine margins have finally gone their way, particularly in close contests where chance counts were more even than in earlier defeats.

Ekitike’s goals have reflected both instinct and work rate. He has profited from set-piece discipline at one end before capitalising at the other, arriving in the box with sharper timing and greater composure as defenses tire.

The second half of matches has often told the story, with Liverpool managing energy levels better and making smarter tactical adjustments. Ekitike’s willingness to press, track back, and occupy defenders has opened space for teammates while keeping him involved in decisive moments.

Late drama has followed, most notably in north London, where his decisive finish settled a tense encounter against Tottenham. With Isak sidelined, those moments now carry even greater weight for Liverpool’s ambitions.

Looking ahead, Slot believes Ekitike is ready for the demanding run of fixtures that lies ahead, while also noting he has other options in attack if rotation is needed. For Liverpool, the message is clear: their season’s momentum may now rest on a striker who is growing stronger, sharper, and more influential by the week.