Ekitike: competition with Alexander Isak is only one man’s problem
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Liverpool's signing of Alexander Isak for a British record £125 million marks a significant development in the club's attacking options, intensified by the arrival of Hugo Ekitike earlier this summer.
Initially, Newcastle resisted Liverpool's approach for Isak, rebuffing a £120 million bid amid struggles to reinforce their forward line after key departures and missed targets. However, once Liverpool secured Ekitike from Newcastle on July 21 for up to £79 million, the stance on Isak softened privately despite public insistence that he was untouchable.
Insider reports reveal Isak's mood shifted noticeably after Ekitike's move to Liverpool. He missed a friendly against Celtic due to a "minor injury" and skipped Newcastle’s pre-season tour to Asia, later acknowledging his poor fitness due to the disrupted summer preparations.
At Liverpool, Ekitike has quickly made his mark, scoring two goals and one assist across three Premier League games and netting in the Community Shield. With Isak yet to debut for the club due to fitness and recent matters, competition for forward roles is set to intensify.
Ekitike openly acknowledged the impending challenge: "When you play for the best teams, you inevitably expect to be competing with the best players. Isak is a player I used to watch, so seeing him arrive is a pleasure. It's going to be tough competition, but I'm going to work hard..." This reflects both players' readiness to vie for starting positions under manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool currently sit top of the Premier League, maintaining a perfect record going into the international break. Isak's debut might come as soon as September 14 against Burnley, with his home debut anticipated in the subsequent Merseyside derby.
This dynamic suggests Liverpool is heading into a forward line featuring intense internal competition that could bolster their attacking threat for the season ahead.
PP