Arne Slot hails Hugo Ekitike fitness after convincing him to work on physicality

With Isak now sidelined for a number of months and Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, there is a greater responsibility on the France international.

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has scored five goals in his last three Premier League matches (Adam Davy/PA)

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike’s five goals in four matches suggest he is starting to get to grips with the Premier League but head coach Arne Slot admits he had to push the player to reach his current levels.

The 22-year-old scored on his first three appearances after his move from Eintracht Frankfurt but the £125million arrival of Alexander Isak stole some of his glory.