Liverpool’s true behind-the-scenes view on Hugo Ekitike vs Alexander Isak revealed
Liverpool’s behind-closed-doors beliefs on Hugo Ekitike’s ceiling has been disclosed after the record-breaking signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle.
The Reds’ stellar summer has seen some insane names step onto Merseyside as Arne Slot looks to defend his Premier League title.
The club smashed the British transfer record fee twice with Florian Wirtz joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen and Isak leaving Newcastle for his move to Liverpool.
There was also a big money move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike who has settled in nicely to life in the English top-flight after two goals in three matches in the league.
Now, a battle will open up for who Liverpool decide to play as first-choice striker following the arrival of the Swede.
Alexander Isak deemed a more ‘surefire option’ with Hugo Ekitike to end up even better at Liverpool
According to a report by The Daily Mail (2 September), the Reds are of the belief that the Frenchman could be the more impressive long-term option than Isak.
Naturally, the signing of the 25-year-old from the Magpies has opened up a debate on who will get the nod down the middle in Slot’s typical 4-2-3-1 system.
Whilst many believe the Swede will naturally be given the nod, this report suggests that there is tremendous belief from the Premier League champions who believe the number 22 “is on the up”.
Isak was considered the “surefire and popular” option, yet the former PSG forward also offers massive potential for Liverpool as a number nine.
Arne Slot go throw out the rule book by playing both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak together
Football Insider verdict
Usually known for wanting control during games, the Dutch manager has rarely had this in the opening three matches of the Premier League season.
The Reds have conceded four times and have looked particularly exposed and leaky at the back which will worry Liverpool fans.
However, arguably this could be a sign of a new type of setup for the Premier League champions who may be incorporating some of Jurgen Klopp’s “heavy metal football” this campaign.
| Liverpool Premier League 2025-26 | |
| Games played | 3 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Goals scored | 8 |
| Goals conceded | 4 |
Potentially, Slot may be opting to play an alternative 4-2-4 formation following the arrival of Isak in order to get the most out of his attacking riches.
A front four of Cody Gakpo, Ekitike, Isak and Mohamed Salah would strike fear into any defence with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch mopping up any counter-attacks.
The international break will give the former Feyenoord manager lots of time to ponder over incorporating both the Frenchman and the Swede into the starting Xi which could cause havoc to teams in the English top-flight.