Along with Wirtz and the two new full-backs, Ekitike points to a different Liverpool set-up.
In 2024-25, some 47 of Liverpool’s 86 goals (55%) were scored or assisted by Mohamed Salah, who ran the right wing almost on his own as Alexander-Arnold drifted inside.
By contrast, Frimpong is a very attacking, very wide right-back. That should take some of the pressure off Salah, but it might also see the Egyptian move infield to support the new creator-in-chief Wirtz, Liverpool’s first proper number 10 in years.
Adding weight to that theory is Ekitike’s history of playing in a strike partnership. He was arguably at his best in a 3-5-2 alongside Marmoush at Frankfurt, with whom he regularly swapped positions in a fluid forward line.
He was also more often than not playing in a two at Reims, where he made his name. Could Slot be planning something similar with Ekitike and Salah?
In a 4-2-3-1, Frimpong’s aggressive wing play on the right could free Salah to drift inside and operate as something like a split striker alongside Ekitike, with Wirtz and a number eight sitting just behind.
That would certainly be direct, dynamic and straight-lined, and would certainly be ready for a turn towards fast-transitioning football next season.
But it’s just one of the options available to Slot now he has such a versatile number nine leading the charge.
Ekitike can drop like Roberto Firmino or get in behind, can play alone or in a two, and can play transitional football or in a possession-centric side.
He is the real deal: the centre-forward of the calibre and tactical dexterity pretty much every ‘Big Six’ club has been looking for.
Whether Slot continues with Guardiola-like patience or swings back towards Klopp-like verticality, Liverpool’s chances of retaining the Premier League title just improved.
Watch all your favorite Amazon Prime Video Sports broadcasts live and free. Get access to NFL, NBA, NASCAR, WNBA, and more – all included with your Prime membership!