It's already clear what's about to happen to Hugo Ekitike after Alexander Isak's Liverpool debut - opinion
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Alexander Isak made his anticipated Liverpool debut against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
The Swedish international played 58 minutes under Anfield’s bright lights as he showed just a glimpse of what he will be bringing to the Reds’ frontline very soon.
It was a dramatic night to be a part of for the 25-year-old who helped out in a first half that saw two quick-fire goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah before Marcos Llorente pulled one back for Atletico Madrid.
While Llorente equalised in the 81st minute, his equaliser was cancelled out by a Virgil van Dijk header from a corner to gift Arne Slot’s side another late victory.
However, the amount of time the new No.
9 spent on the pitch was something that surprised Slot about Isak and shocked fans who were not expecting a start, let alone almost 60 minutes of game time, given his disruptive pre-season.
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He was replaced by Hugo Ekitike, who is deemed to be the competition for the £125 million striker.
It is a fair assumption that it may be difficult for the pair to be in the forward line, given that Ekitike and Isak enjoy playing in the same central position as each other.
Although watching Isak’s first game in red would suggest it is not the issue that some think it is, and if anything is great news for the Frenchman, who could very easily complement the record-breaking signing.
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The Swede, for the most part, played his role in the team quite centrally, given he had the experience out wide of Salah and Cody Gakpo, but in many team moves, he drifted out wide to collect the ball.
These movements to wider areas could easily unlock an interesting interchange between the two new club forwards, which would appease both players’ desires to be regular starters for the side.
It would realistically mean the No.
22 would have to begin on the left wing, which would move Gakpo to the bench at times, to allow him and Isak to switch positions and link up.
A partnership like this could be an incredible asset to a team that this season has struggled to get between defensive lines and break down teams that have a solid defensive setup.
Instead of the choice between these fantastic talents giving Slot a headache, it provides a new avenue for him to explore a more innovative idea, which could produce a legendary duo if done correctly.
It was already confirmed by the Dutch coach that Isak would not be getting the full 90-minute treatment in the Merseyside derby, which should come as no surprise to fans, but it seems he is still dampening expectations of a full debut for a little while longer.
During his interview with TNT Sports post-match, the 47-year-old gave a message to fans about his fitness.
“But again that the fans don’t get their hopes up too high because it’s good that he had his first 60 minutes, but we play three times a week, and that’s a bit too much for him still.”
He also praised the young forward as a ‘joy to watch’ as he worked incredibly hard on and off the ball to create space and chances for the side.
A cameo in the derby will be an interesting watch, given the fierce nature of the game, and it will give him another opportunity to experience the supporters in full voice.