'Going to be tough': Hugo Ekitike suggests Alexander Isak's arrival could be a 'problem' for someone at Liverpool
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Liverpool have signed two strikers this summer so competition for places will be greater than before.
The Reds were keen to bring in a new centre-forward to the club all summer, but at one point, it looked like they may struggle to do just that.
However, fast forward a few months and they have two new ones at their disposal, both players who were towards the top of their wishlist too.
Hugo Ekitike came in first after the Alexander Isak deal looked impossible to pull off, but eventually, the Swede followed him through the door, albeit only just.
Now, though, they have two world-class ‘number nines’ to pick from, leaving many to wonder how they will both fit into the team.
After the Frenchman’s quick start, most will think it is unfair if he is the one who misses out, although Ekitike’s thoughts on Isak’s arrival suggests he is not fazed at all.
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Squad depth is a necessity for a team pushing for the Premier League title, and this is something Liverpool were able to call upon at points last season.
Even though many think the Reds’ team is now weaker than last season’s, which is not true on paper, Arne Slot will certainly have a few selection dilemmas week after week.
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Choosing which striker to go for will definitely be one of them, especially as Ekitike has issued a warning to ensure that his boss has a problem when deciding.
When you play for the best teams, you expect to be competing with the best players,’ Ekitike said when asked about Isak’s arrival, as per the Metro.
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“Isak is a player I’ve watched too, so seeing him arrive is a pleasure.
It’s going to be tough competition, but I’m going to focus on performing well so that it’s a problem for the manager.”
One factor on Ekitike’s side is that he has the time, mainly as he has already impressed in a Red shirt and due to Isak’s lack of match fitness, he will likely not feature anytime soon.
Arne Slot is known for his 4-2-3-1 formation, with this something he has deployed ever since arriving at Anfield.
And, although it clearly works, it does not accommodate both Ekitike and Isak, at least without playing one of them out of position.
Sticking with this would likely mean Cody Gakpo gets dropped to the bench and the Frenchman moves out to the left, an area in which he is more than comfortable operating.
However, not only does the Dutchman deserve to keep his place, Ekitike has been so dangerous as the central figure, so if it is not broken, do not fix it.
This is where a formation with two strikers could be deployed, perhaps even 4-4-2, something that Reds fans will surely want so they can see their two new stars line up alongside each other.