Liverpool fans are all saying the same thing about Hugo Ekitike vs Brighton, one thing is worrying

Liverpool and Brighton went head-to-head in a Premier League meeting at Anfield on December 13.

Mohamed Salah made his return to the squad after his midweek absence, but Arne Slot’s team was largely unchanged from the win over Inter Milan.

Alexander Isak started the tie on the bench, with Florian Wirtz coming back in ahead of the Swede.

Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis.

IF Brighton is Mohamed Salah’s farewell game, what is your message to the Liverpool icon?

Credit: John Powell/Liverpool FC/Getty Images

👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say

The midfield pivot that worked so well in Italy was kept the same, while Milos Kerkez for Andy Robertson was the only change in defence.

Liverpool began the clash on fire with Hugo Ekitike scoring a thumping effort inside 60 seconds.

Liverpool fans praise Hugo Ekitike vs Brighton

It was the Frenchman’s ninth goal of the season in all competitions and his third in Liverpool’s last two Premier League matches.

After the goal, fans took to social media to make it clear they think Ekitike is a much better striker than Isak.

One fan wrote: “Ekitike is clear from Isak hahaha what a waste of 150 million.”

A second stated: “The way Ekitike is showing up Isak this season has been embarrassing.”

“If Ekitike maintains this rate, Isak’s fate at Liverpool may be completely sealed,” claimed another.

A fourth suggested: “I sincerely hope Isak isn’t another Carroll, but Ekitike looks like a Suarez.”

Another Liverpool fan added: “Imagine how much goals Ekitike would have if we didn’t do this Isak gimmick.”

“Isak isn’t getting that CF slot if Ekitike maintains this fire form,” a fifth wrote.

While a seventh went as far as to suggest the Reds should move on from the Swede: “Salah or no Salah, it’s always Ekitike over Isak at centre forward. Isak has not worked out. So move on.”

Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images

Though some of the criticism aimed at the ex-Newcastle United man could be seen as harsh, fans are worried about Isak.

He probably should have had enough time to get fully fit by now after missing pre-season.

But with four months of the campaign gone, we are still, barring very rare moments of quality, not seeing anywhere close to the best of Isak.

Slot played them both together in midweek, and Ekitike was praised.

Isak, meanwhile, had a quiet night, and Liverpool’s attack looked much sharper when he was replaced by Wirtz.

Slot may now get some respite from the Salah questions with the Egyptian heading to AFCON on Monday, but he’s still got to try and find a way to get both his big-money strikers into the same team and playing well.

If the Dutchman can’t, Liverpool may, rather worryingly, have broken the British transfer record for a centre-forward who could end up becoming second choice.

Join Our Newsletter

Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox