Hugo Ekitiké has once again showcased his potential, but it's clear that Arne Slot has considerable work ahead at Liverpool. Despite Liverpool securing a 4-2 victory against Bournemouth in their Premier League opener, the performance was far from the controlled displays seen last season.

Ekitiké, a new signing for Liverpool, has made a positive impression, demonstrating his quality in the forward line. In the game against Bournemouth, Ekitiké contributed a goal and an assist, highlighting his potential impact on the team. He also had a strong showing in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, scoring a goal. His movement, touch, and awareness have been particularly praised. Overall in the 2024/2025 season, Ekitike has 15 goals and 8 assists.

However, these individual bright spots don't mask the broader challenges facing Liverpool. The team is undergoing significant changes, with several new additions to the squad. Integrating almost half a team takes time, and this transition may cost Liverpool valuable points in a tight title race. The shift in formation from a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 hybrid to a more overt 4-2-3-1, influenced by the arrival of Florian Wirtz, requires adaptation. This adjustment places additional defensive responsibility on the midfield pairing, potentially making Liverpool more vulnerable defensively, at least in the early part of the campaign.

Milos Kerkez, another new signing, struggled against his former team, Bournemouth. Liverpool's defense was surprisingly open at times, a recurring issue from pre-season. This defensive vulnerability needs to be addressed if Liverpool aims to defend their title.

Despite the need for improvement, Liverpool managed to secure three points against Bournemouth. Federico Chiesa, an Italian international, scored a key goal, dedicating it to Diogo Jota. The image of Mohamed Salah wiping away tears as fans sang the Diogo Jota song served as a reminder of the emotional challenges the team faces this season.

Arne Slot is clearly taking command, implementing his own tactical vision. The new attacking options are exciting, but Slot needs to ensure that the team becomes more cohesive. The focus should be on results, with the understanding that performances will improve over time. Ekitiké's versatility and work ethic are valuable assets. He can play in multiple positions, press effectively, and contribute defensively. His ability to understand pressing triggers and cut passing lanes is also crucial.

In conclusion, while Hugo Ekitiké has shown promise, Arne Slot faces the task of integrating numerous new players and implementing tactical changes. The team's defensive vulnerabilities need to be addressed, and cohesion must be improved. Despite these challenges, Liverpool's win against Bournemouth is a positive start, and the focus remains on building a stronger, more unified team.