Liverpool may have extended their perfect start to the season with a narrow 2-1 victory over Everton, but Premier League legend Alan Shearer remains unconvinced by their overall performance. Speaking after the Merseyside derby, Shearer pointed out a notable dip in form for one of the Reds’ big summer signings and insisted that Hugo Ekitike must be a regular in Arne Slot’s starting XI moving forward.
Ekitike Shines Again as Liverpool Edge Past Everton
The Reds looked dominant in the first half, with Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike both finding the net early on to put Liverpool in control at Anfield. Everton, however, mounted a spirited second-half fightback, capped off by a thunderous strike from Idrissa Gueye that brought them back into the contest.
Shearer, analyzing the game for NBC Sports, praised Liverpool’s first-half energy but was less impressed with their drop-off after the break.
They played some bright, energetic football early on, But in the second half, it fell into a familiar pattern from their previous games. Everton were the better team, and I think they’ll feel hard done by not to come away with at least a point
Alan Shearer
Defensive Balance Still a Concern for Slot
While Liverpool have continued to win, Shearer highlighted a deeper issue plaguing Arne Slot’s side—defensive instability. The Reds have now conceded nine goals in just seven games, and Shearer believes the team is still struggling to strike the right balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity.
The former Newcastle striker singled out Milos Kerkez, a £40 million signing from Bournemouth, as a player who has yet to find his footing at Anfield.
At Bournemouth, Kerkez had the freedom to get forward and express himself, Right now, he looks caught in two minds, unsure whether to push on or sit back and protect the back line with Van Dijk and Konate. It’s clear the balance isn’t quite right.
Shearer explained.
Slot Reluctant to Start Star Signings Wirtz and Isak
Despite their hefty price tags, summer arrivals Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak started the derby on the bench and were only introduced in the final 30 minutes. Shearer believes Slot reverted to a familiar lineup due to the physical nature of the fixture, opting for players who had already proven themselves in the Premier League.
“He went back to his trusted core,” Shearer said. “In a high-intensity game like the derby, he chose the players he knows could handle the battle.”
Ekitike Undroppable in Current Form, Says Shearer
One player who is making himself undroppable is Hugo Ekitike. The French forward added another goal to his tally against Everton, taking his season total to four goals and one assist. Shearer emphasized that Slot simply cannot afford to leave him out of the starting lineup.
“Right now, there’s no way Ekitike should be dropped,” Shearer insisted. “With the form he’s in, he has to play. Isak will need to be patient until he’s fully fit, but for now, Ekitike is delivering.”
A Winning Run Hides Deeper Issues
Despite the continued string of victories, Shearer warned that Liverpool’s performances aren’t quite matching their results. While winning without playing at their best is often the sign of a strong team, he stressed that Slot still has plenty to address if the Reds want to maintain their title challenge.
“There’s a lot to work on,” Shearer concluded. “But if you can keep winning while ironing out the issues, that’s a good place to be.”
