Dec 26 (Reuters) - Liverpool manager Arne Slot has ‌hailed the transformation of Hugo Ekitike from backup striker to goal machine as the France international ‌spearheads the club's climb back up the Premier League table.

The reigning champions endured a nightmare slump, ‌losing nine of 12 games across all competitions, but have clawed their way to fifth place with Ekitike leading the revival with eight league goals -- including five in his last three games.