Liverpool s new player debut: Stop missed and led to group ridicule

Liverpool's first "disaster" of new players with 100 million yuan: the stop-off mistake detonated the group's ridicule, Slot's change of team secretly

On the evening of July 30, Liverpool defeated Yokohama Mariners 3-1 in the preseason in Japan. However, the focus of this game was not victory, but the debut performance of new players and French striker Hugo Ekitic. This expensive new player caused heated discussion and ridicule among fans for a poor stop in the game, and was even compared with "Warcraft" Lukaku. Only 2 minutes into the game, Salah made a wonderful straight pass to tear open the defense line and accurately found Ekitic on the right. However, the following scenes are shocking. Although Ekitic's first touch was still in place, his movements seemed stiff and clumsy in the subsequent protection of the ball, and was quickly intercepted by the opponent's defender.

This low-level mistake instantly triggered social media. Some fans sarcastically said, "Is this a forward worth hundreds of millions of euros?" Another fan commented, "I immediately remembered Lukaku when I saw Ekitic." As a representative of the famous "stop ball stagger", Lukaku's "behind the shot" this time undoubtedly increased the pressure Ekitic was under. Some netizens said bluntly: "He needs to train harder, just that."

Ekitic started this game, but failed to score any goals or assists within 45 minutes of the first half. Due to the close guard of the opponent's defenders, he created almost no threatening offensive opportunities. At the half-time whistle, head coach Slot made decisive adjustments and replaced Ekitic with Darwin Nunes.

The British Liverpool Echo commented that although Ekitic showed a certain potential for connection with Salah 45 minutes before the opening and there was also a certain tacit understanding between the two, it obviously took more time to further work out.

In addition, in this game, Ekitic was arranged to play the role of "center" (No. 9) that he was not good at, which also exposed his obvious shortcomings. He is more accustomed to retreating to catch the ball and organizing offenses, rather than staying in the penalty area and waiting for opportunities like traditional centers, which is somewhat different from the team's tactical requirements.

Despite Ekitic's mediocre performance, Liverpool eventually defeated Yokohama Mariners 3-1 to win the preseason. Wilz, Trey Nioni and Rio Ngumoha respectively contributed to the team.

Ekitic's debut undoubtedly brought concerns to Liverpool fans, but the significance of the preseason lies in this, providing the head coach with the opportunity to inspect the players and run into the lineup. For this high-priced new player, how to play his own advantages under the new tactical system and adapt to the rhythm and intensity of the Premier League as soon as possible will be a major issue he needs to face next.