Slot compares Ekitike to Romario and hails Wirtz development after Newcastle win

Arne Slot compared Hugo Ekitike to Romario following his brace against Newcastle United, with Florian Wirtz also singled out for praise as their relationship continues to blossom.

Ekitike scored twice as Liverpool came from behind to beat the Magpies 4-1 at Anfield, with the victory taking them – at least temporarily – into the Premier League's top four.

Ekitike's brace took him to 10 Premier League goals this season; at 23 years and 225 days old, he's the youngest player to reach double figures in a league season for Liverpool since Michael Owen in 2000-01 (21 years, 138 days).

And it was his second goal – a sensational finish from the left side of the area with the outside of his right boot – that drew particularly lofty praise from Slot.

The Liverpool boss told TNT Sports: "Hugo is another player who has adjusted to the Premier League now. He is much fitter. 

"From the start of the season, he was special on the ball, but off the ball, he has improved so much, and that is what you get by playing lots of games in the Champions League and Premier League.

"Their [Ekitike and Wirtz's] combination gets better and better and better.

"His second goal, I don't know if he knows who he is, but Romario, who played in Holland and Brazil, scored a lot of goals like this. It looked like a Romario goal, I have to say."

Ekitike's first goal was assisted by Wirtz, with the duo having now combined for six goals in all competitions this season, assisting one another three times apiece. 

Wirtz initially struggled following his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen but has found his feet in recent weeks, and Slot believes the major difference has been his off-the-ball work.

"When he had these moments earlier in the season, they did not lead to goals and assists, but now his numbers are much better," Slot said of the German.

"Now the biggest thing I see is his work off the ball, the way he presses and wins the duels is so impressive and that is completely full credit to him. He works so hard for it. 

"We could all see from the start he was this special player, but we are seeing it more now, because of the goals and assists."

Slot also outlined his hope that Liverpool will be active in the final two days of the transfer window, with reports suggesting they are in talks to sign Lutsharel Geertruida – who is currently on loan at Sunderland – from RB Leipzig.

"In the last 48 to 72 hours there has been a lot of speculation always around us. We are trying to look to strengthen the squad," Slot said. 

"I don't know exactly what is going on at this moment of time, but we prefer to strengthen the squad, not weaken it. Let's see what the upcoming 48 hours will bring."