Liverpool boss Slot says Ekitike reaping rewards for greater physicality

London: Arne Slot believes Hugo Ekitike s run of five goals in four matches indicates the striker has heeded the Liverpool manager s advice when it co...

London: Arne Slot believes Hugo Ekitike's run of five goals in four matches indicates the striker has heeded the Liverpool manager's advice when it comes to improving his fitness.

The 23-year-old scored on his first three appearances after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt but that achievement was somewhat overshadowed by the £125 million ($169 million) arrival of Alexander Isak at Anfield.

Ekitike only managed three goals in his next 17 matches as the British record signing struggled to get to grips with the repeated demands of English football.

But with the injured Isak now set to be sidelined for several months and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Merseyside club are looking to the Frenchman to lead the line.

Slot believes much of Ekitike's recent progress can be attributed to better physical condition, although the Dutch boss said he had to convince the forward that such work was needed.