Latest news with #Ekitike
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Liverpool pre-season friendly vs Yokohama set to go on despite massive tsunami in Japan; English champs announce lineup
Liverpool are set to go ahead with their pre-season friendly against Yokohama F Marinos at the Nissan Stadium, despite fears over cancellation given tsunami warnings in Japan following an 8.8 Richter scale earthquake off the coast of the Kamchatka peninsula in Russia. Liverpool players celebrate a goal during their preseason friendly vs AC Milan in Hong Kong.(AP) Despite nearly 2 million people being evacuated across Japan at the behest of the Japan Meteorological Agency, which is predicting waves as high as three metres tall to hit the coast of Japan. However, the northern island of Hokkaido is expected to receive the brunt of the damage from the tsunami, with relatively safer conditions expected in central areas, which includes the port city of Yokohama, just to the south of Tokyo. Liverpool haven't shown any indication of the match being delayed or cancelled, publishing their regular pre-match graphic as the defending Premier League champions continue their pre-season preparations. They face local team Yokohama FM in the third match of their pre-season run, most recently having lost to AC Milan 4-2 in Hong Kong. New signings Ekitike and Wirtz start for Liverpool This match is set to be the debut of big-money signing Hugo Ekitike, seen as the long-term heir to the striker position at Liverpool, especially in the wake of the tragic and heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota due to a vehicular accident earlier this month. Arne Slot's team have faced a large-scale overhaul in this summer transfer window despite their success in 2024-25, which includes the signing of Ekitike, but also a Premier League record purchase of German superstar Florian Wirtz for 116 million British pounds. The two players, signed from German outfits Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen respectively, start together for the English champions at the Nissan Stadium today. To add to their attacking outlay, the Reds have also brought on board a pair of sensational fullbacks in Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth and Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen, to make up for the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer to Real Madrid. With these many new additions to their squad in 2025, Liverpool will be grateful for every minute they can play during their preseason tour to blood in the new players to Slot's high-intensity tactical system. Following their friendly in Japan, Liverpool return to Anfield for one final friendly against Athletic Bilbao, after which they will begin their season with the FA Community Shield up against upstart FA Cup champions Crystal Palace.
BBC News
20 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
How would Liverpool fit Ekitike and Isak in the same team?
Liverpool's summer window was already the most curious we've ever seen from a Premier League Bundesliga stars en masse and swapping out both full-backs implies a major tactical shift that will emphatically end the Jurgen Klopp era and herald the dawn of a new bringing in Newcastle's Alexander Isak would push Liverpool's transfer business into unprecedented territory, having already also signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht since the age of good old-fashioned 4-4-2s - when little-and-large strike partnerships were borderline mandatory - have we seen a top club sign two elite number nines in the same exactly is Arne Slot thinking?Here are five ways it might work… An ultra-narrow 4-2-3-1 with Wirtz, Ekitike and Salah behind Isak All of our theories here are going to require some square pegs in round holes - except this could deploy a squeezed 4-2-3-1, in which the nominal wingers Salah and Ekitike are so narrow they operate more as number 10s either side of Florian Wirtz, with the width then provided by two flying Frimpong is a very attacking right-back, whose presence is likely to push Salah more infield anyway, while Ekitike tends to drop into 10-ish positions even when starting as a nine, as we see in the graphic below. This system would allow for fluid movement among that trio of number 10s. For example, when one of Salah and Ekitike drifts wide the other would remain narrow alongside Wirtz, creating the box-shape (with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch) that is so important in modern Premier League other moments, Ekitike or Salah may drive ahead into more of a centre-forward role next to Isak, in turn shuffling the box up a line, connecting with two number 10s behind is arguably the most dynamic formation Slot could use to get all four players into his starting XI - but it would be quite a departure from what went let's look at a more conservative idea... Ekitike replacing Diaz as left-winger in Slot's conventional 4-2-3-1 The simpler thing to do is fully convert Ekitike into a Luis Diaz replacement, assuming the Colombia forward completes his move to Bayern has played just nine games (two starts and 324 minutes total) as a left-winger, although he has often tended to drift out to that side, most notably throughout 2023-24. More importantly, the way Slot has used Cody Gapko and Diaz - as one-on-one dribblers, using their acceleration to cut inside full-backs - corresponds with Ekitike's best the Bundesliga last season Ekitike came fifth for attempted dribbles (126) and for shot-ending carries (44). He also provided eight assists and ranked fifth (again) for 'attacking sequence' involvements. He hasn't done it much before, but Ekitike has the makings of a Slot left-winger. Ekitike and Isak together, Frankfurt-style, in a 4-2-2-2 Ekitike's best football at Frankfurt came as part of a proper strike partnership with Omar Marmoush before his January departure to Manchester City saw the end of Dino Toppmoller's 3-5-2 and Ekitike regularly swapped positions, dove-tailing instinctively as one dropped and the other went in behind. It was a swirling, rhythmic balance that confounded defenders and propelled Frankfurt into a title challenge until late are unlikely to move to a back three any time soon, not least because a 3-5-2 with Ekitike and Isak would mean benching Salah. But there is a way to put Isak and Ekitike together, albeit a pretty risky Liverpool regularly line up in a 4-2-4/4-4-2 when not in possession, but crucially that's with a 10 (Dominik Szoboszlai) playing very much as a third midfielder when Liverpool have the we're suggesting here is notably more fragile through the middle, requiring a two-man midfield to cover all the space when a quick turnover triggers an opposition also the problem of playing Wirtz on the left, a position he has only very occasionally played for Bayer Leverkusen and all likelihood, this is one for when Liverpool are chasing a game. It's a bit kitchen-sinky for anything earlier than that. Ekitike and Wirtz as dual eights in the De Bruyne and Silva mould If number three sounded a bit weird, then you won't like this idea. But it really could is regularly compared favourably with Kevin de Bruyne, while Marmoush (Ekitike's old strike partner and a player with similar characteristics to the new Liverpool forward) has been plonked into the De Bruyne role at Man plausible Ekitike could adapt into that hybrid eight/10 position, playing alongside Wirtz much in the way Pep Guardiola has historically used two aggressive eights in front of a number has always been a big influence on Slot, who once described the Catalan's playing style as "the ultimate joy in football". Maybe, just maybe, the Liverpool manager plans to take the Pep influence to a whole new level and regularly start with two eights/ Premier League football is increasingly transitional and end-to-end, with slower possession-hogging on its way out, which is why Guardiola is far more likely to play with two sixes - in a 4-2-3-1 - than the dual playmaker system we saw in his early title elite teams start to see less of the ball, and when the opposition isn't so pinned back, it becomes more important to have a solid midfield base that can block those quick-fire of the time, Ryan Gravenberch won't be able to do it all on his own. But a City-esque 4-3-3 would be exciting to see. Ekitike as competition for four separate forward positions We don't necessarily need to come up with a wildcard formation that crams all the new signings into the same all goes well Liverpool will play over 60 games next season, meaning they will need a regularly rotating front line to keep legs fresh and opponents as a £69m cover option probably doesn't sound very appealing, but he will arguably be the second-best player in four separate positions for Liverpool - although Szoboszlai, rivalling Wirtz, might say you consider injuries, the need to rotate for twice-weekly football, and Slot's tactical adaptations to the opposition, Ekitike could easily tot up over 30 starts in all competitions even if he wasn't technically considered to be in the club's best that managers of elite clubs tend to think in terms of 'best XIs' anymore - schedules are too busy and injuries too common for fact, what fans assume to be their team's best XI rarely actually play together, as many Liverpool supporters know all too most mind-blowing example of this phenomenon was first highlighted by Duncan Alexander,, external who pointed out that the supposedly-iconic Liverpool XI under Klopp - the one that started the Champions League final - had never played together before that game and never played together after how do you solve the riddle? How do you get all of Liverpool's new signings into the same team? Answer: you don't.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool already have Luis Diaz replacement which explains Alexander Isak transfer plan
Liverpool have agreed a £65.5million deal with Bayern Munich to sell Luis Diaz and the winger's departure is expected to fund a bid for Newcastle star Alexander Isak When Luis Diaz arrived at Liverpool in January 2022, his smile lit up the training ground. Then-boss Jurgen Klopp admitted he hadn't seen anyone enjoy training as much as the Colombian did. Having moved sooner than expected to land him from Porto because Tottenham were sniffing, the Reds got a new weapon in a campaign they were fighting for four trophies in. Diaz was a big part in their League and FA Cup successes while they missed out on the Premier League by a point to Manchester City and suffered Champions League heartache against Real Madrid in Paris. But it was how quickly he settled which surprised most. Then captain Jordan Henderson even remarked how soon he found his, quite fast, feet at the club. With 41 goals and 16 assists in 148 games as well as a Premier League title and another League Cup to the previously mentioned trophies, Diaz has undoubtedly been a successful buy for £37.5million. Now he is heading for the exit door, he will need to be replaced. But has he already? Diaz under Arne Slot has been more versatile than the left winger under Klopp. When Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez were unavailable last season, he would be used through the middle. Slot wants a front line that can move about. He often frustrated with end product sometimes a problem but he could be lethal as he showed with a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in November and a brace against Manchester United at Old Trafford in September. Now Liverpool have already agreed a £79m deal to bring in Hugo Ekitike and he is finding his feet on the summer tour out in Asia, which Diaz has just departed. It should be noted that Liverpool believe the France under-21 striker has the ability to play in more places than one in the front three. Ekitike is not Nunez's replacement for when he expectedly departs later this summer. Ekitike is the versatile forward to replace Diaz it seems. That is why Liverpool remain on red alert when it comes to Alexander Isak. Because the Sweden hitman is the man they want as their new No.9 when Nunez leaves. Now should Newcastle fail to budge on their stance that he's not for sale, Liverpool are happy with Ekitike through the middle. Of course, they also have Cody Gakpo on the left and teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha, even at just 16, is starting to push. Yet if they could land Isak in the coming weeks, even if it will take a British transfer record offer and the Magpies relenting, Slot will believe he will have a much more fluid forward line as well as a lethal one. They know Ekitike is a forward of promise while Isak is a striker who has proven himself in the Premier League. Yet interchanging them while having options on the left and right (many believe Jeremie Frimpong is more back-up to Mo Salah than a threat to Conor Bradley at right-back), the Reds are building a new-look front line that is more flexible than the previous one. Why are Liverpool sanctioning Diaz's sale is another question when he too can be flexible in his positioning? Well, it became clear to them 12 months ago that Colombian, although still smiling brightly, was having his head turned. They tried on two occasions to secure him under a new contract but the differences in salary demands and expectations were too much. Liverpool wanted to stand strong this season. Earlier in the summer, their stance was Diaz was not for sale but Bayern Munich have proven that everyone is for sale for the right price with their £65.1m bid being accepted. The Reds will be hoping Newcastle's stance changes in a similar fashion. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Hugo Ekitike's view on Liverpool role speaks volumes amid Alexander Isak transfer twist
Liverpool have just spent nearly £80m to sign Hugo Ekitike but already they've turned their attention to another striker in Alexander Isak, which could lead to some shuffling Liverpool new boy Hugo Ekitike insists he will "do what the coach asks me to do" as he maintained his versatility is one of his key attributes amid speculation that Alexander Isak could soon be joining him at Anfield. The Frenchman has just moved to the Reds from Frankfurt, joining for £79million after enjoying a breakthrough season with the German club. Ekitike was bought in and tipped to lead the line for Arne Slot's side as they look to retain their Premier League crown. However the situation surrounding Isak at Newcastle looks to have changed and it could open the door for Liverpool to break the British-transfer record for the second time in one summer. The Swede has made it clear he wants to explore his options away from St James' Park. A move to Liverpool is on his radar and that could leave Slot's new £79m signing, who was bought in to lead the line, having to move to accommodate Isak. However that appears to be something Ekitike is more than willing to do. He told the club's website: "I mean, I do what the coach asks me to do, but yeah, I like to do everything. I can't define myself only as a striker [who likes] to finish: I like to play, I like to be in the game, in the collective part of play [and] create also. So, I can do both – I can play alone and I like to play also with another striker and I think that's what makes me versatile, but you know now in this football you need to adapt." For the early part of last season Ekitike played in the Frankfurt attack with Omar Marmoush, who is now at Manchester City. It may be a case of the Frenchman either playing in tandem with Isak or being pushed out wide to allow the Swede to play centrally. Liverpool are due to bank £65m from the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, which leaves them light of a player in attack, and now an official approach is now expected. Newcastle have made it clear they want to keep their best players, but if Isak does push for the exit door it could force the owners into making a decision. If Liverpool's offer approaches the £150m valuation they have for the player then the Magpies may be tempted to sell up and reinvest as they draw up a list of targets. Eddie Howe has confirmed that Isak will not be joining Newcastle on their pre-season tour amid all the speculation. The Magpies boss said: "The club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That's what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Hugo Ekitike explains why he wore a Steven Gerrard shirt before signing for Liverpool
Liverpool new boy Hugo Ekitike has opened up on viral images that showed him wearing a classic Steven Gerrard shirt ahead of his transfer from Frankfurt this week Hugo Ekitike has revealed that pictures of him wearing a classic Steven Gerrard jersey were down to his brother buying him one whilst there were preparing for holiday. Images of the Frenchman went viral as he donned a vintage Reds top with their iconic captain's name, back when he begun his career and wore No 28. This was whilst he remained a Frankfurt player but Liverpool were known to have been interested before they eventually secured his signature. The Reds paid £79million to secure Ekitike's services but he claims that picture of him in a Gerrard top were by no means a way of attracting attention or trying to fuel the rumour mill. The 23-year-old has just enjoyed his breakout campaign in Germany after previously being on PSG 's books. Liverpool fought off competition from Newcastle to land Ekitike but the player has explained his Gerrard snaps. He told the club's website: "The story behind it is that I was going on vacation and obviously I had some training [sessions]. I like vintage jerseys and my brother went to the shop and bought that one and obviously you know the next part of the story: now I am here! He is maybe the first legend here at Liverpool so yeah, big up to him and it's a very good jersey." Gerrard remains an iconic figure at Anfield and is seen by many as their greatest ever player. He won every honour despite the Premier League, but this current group are now aiming to become the first Reds' side ever to win the competition in successive years. Arne Slot, who conquered England's top flight at the first attempt, has attacked the transfer market in an effort to make Liverpool an even more formidable outfit. Ekitike will arrive as the team's new frontman and believes now is the right time to make the switch. The Frenchman said: "I think that was the right moment. I came to the Bundesliga hungry, I wanted to show that I'm a good player and I can make the difference on the pitch. I think I did well last season. Now, I feel ready to make a bigger step and to play on the highest level, to improve myself, to see what I can do. That's why I think it's the right timing for me and the perfect moment to come here." Liverpool have also added Florian Wirtz for a British-record fee from Bayer Leverkusen. Defensively the Reds have also bought in Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Now there is talk of Alexander Isak joining from Newcastle.
