Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Liverpool, Champions League, Virgil Van Dijk, Hugo Ekitike, Football, Fan Reactions
Ryan Smart
Topics: Liverpool, Champions League, Virgil Van Dijk, Hugo Ekitike, Football, Fan Reactions
Liverpool fans have been left baffled by one Arne Slot decision while watching the first half of their Champions League clash against Frankfurt.
The Reds went 1-0 down on 26 minutes through former Leeds full-back Rasmus Kristensen's right-footed strike into the bottom corner.
But they equalised nine minutes later when Hugo Ekitike was played through on goal before slotting the ball beyond goalkeeper Michael Sletterer.
And Liverpool took the lead before the break through captain Virgil van Dijk's towering header from a corner.
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Ibrahima Konate then added further gloss to the scoreline by heading in from another corner on 44 minutes.
Those three goals at least significantly lowered the prospect of Liverpool losing their fifth consecutive game in all competitions - but fans were still left unhappy by one thing.
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The Reds' last two losses had seen Ekitike relegated to the bench in favour of Alexander Isak, despite scoring five goals in all competitions before Wednesday's clash.
His return to the starting XI saw him put in an impressive display against Frankfurt - with fans questioning why he didn't stay in the team despite Isak closing in on full match fitness.
One fan wrote: "Hugo Ekitike needs to start every game for Liverpool. Don't know who (Slot) needs to hear this..."
A second said: "Not sure why it hasn't been noticed yet but the forward line needs building around Ekitike."
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And a third added: "Slot dropped the most form striker in England for Isak and it has backfired massively."
Slot elected to play Ekitike and Isak together from the start in Frankfurt - the first time he has done so since the duo arrived at Liverpool last summer.
Mohamed Salah made way for the Frenchman after failing to score or assist in his last four matches.
It is a return to his former club for Ekitike, with Frankfurt selling him to Liverpool for an initial fee of £69 million, plus a potential £10 million in add-ons, in the summer.