Arne Slot name-drops two Liverpool stars who impressed despite Community Shield loss

Although Arne Slot left Wembley empty-handed after the loss against Crystal Palace, he still saw some positives to take back to Anfield.

Liverpool lost the Community Shield after a 2-2 draw led the sides into a penalty shootout, with Justin Devenney converting the decisive spot-kick.

It was a disastrous afternoon for most involved at Wembley as the Reds threw away a one-goal lead on two occasions and saw Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott miss penalties in the shootout.

Furthermore, Virgil van Dijk gave away a clear penalty after a foul was correctly adjudged following a challenge on Ismaila Sarr, with Jean-Philippe Mateta calmly slotting past Alisson for the first Crystal Palace equaliser.

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

Sarr would equalise again for the FA Cup winner in the 77th minute to level the tie in regulation time, cancelling out Jeremie Frimpong’s first competitive goal for the Reds in the 20th minute.

However, two of the four Liverpool summer signings who started at Wembley left Slot impressed with what he saw.

Arne Slot backs Wirtz and Ekitike to handle the pressure

Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz were sensational for the Reds on Sunday. It took only four minutes for the pair to combine as Ekitike gave the lead to the Premier League champions.

Of course, the Frenchman’s goal would do little to impact the result of the Community Shield clash, but his impact is a positive sign of how well the forward is settling into life at Anfield.

Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively told TBR Football that Ekitike has been impressing his Liverpool teammates in training, and now the supporters have seen firsthand the influence he can have.

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

Slot understands how expensive price tags can pile unwanted pressure on signings, but he revealed to BBC Radio 5 Live following the loss at Wembley that he expects Ekitike and Wirtz to rise above the noise after undergoing major surgery on his title-winning side.

“These are players we have brought in for quite a lot of money, but they know how to handle the pressure. Both of them played a good game.

“After two years of no change, we brought a lot of money in, and then I think it is a good moment to get new energy in. We have lost four starters and players that have played a lot for us. Some wanted to leave, like Trent.

“As a result of that, we have to bring players in, and that is what we did. We have to make sure we are ready for Bournemouth, and then after that we have Newcastle away and Arsenal – I don’t need to tell you how good those two teams are.”

Hugo Ekitike responds in style to Alexander Isak rumours

Despite Liverpool already approaching the £300 million mark in expenditure this summer, further additions are expected at Anfield before the 1 September deadline.

Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz departed for pastures new in recent weeks, and speculation continues regarding the future of Federico Chiesa.

Should the Italian also leave the Reds, it is natural to suspect that Richard Hughes will target another attacker, given the widely reported pursuit of Alexander Isak.

Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

In turn, Ekitike would see his position in the starting lineup threatened by the Swede, but at Wembley, he issued the perfect response to the rumours.

Not only did the 23-year-old get on the scoresheet, but he was involved heavily in the link-up play against Crystal Palace and threatened to double his tally on a handful of occasions.

Regardless of how the Isak saga ends, few Liverpool fans will doubt Ekitike’s ability to lead the line this season after continuing his impressive pre-season form against Premier League opposition.

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