Joe Cole says Liverpool have a player destined to surpass Alexander Isak in years to come
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Alexander Isak’s arrival was the standout move of Liverpool’s summer window.The story had been building for a while, with early reports of interest surfacing back in June.He missed the entire pre-season with Newcastle while holding out for the move and took time to get back up to full speed. As a result, Liverpool fans have not seen what he is truly capable of yet.That opened the door for Hugo Ekitike to make an early impression.
The French forward was the first attacking addition of Arne Slot’s tenure and settled quickly into the manager’s style.Despite not featuring in every match, Ekitike has already contributed six goals across all competitions, making a strong case as Liverpool’s most effective forward so far this season.This form has led Joe Cole to suggest that Ekitike might even surpass Isak one day.Joe Cole backs Hugo Ekitike to surpass Alexander Isak at LiverpoolPhoto by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty ImagesRight now, Isak is the go-to striker for Slot, though he has not exactly set the world alight yet, despite being given plenty of opportunities.While both Isak and Ekitike have shown they can play out wide if needed, there has not been much reason to make that switch so far this season.Speaking on TNT Sports’ The Breakdown: Strikers Special, Cole praised Ekitike’s progress since his move to Anfield.“I think Ekitike outplays him [Isak] over the next two years,” the former Liverpool ace began by saying.“Isak misses football games, he gets a few injuries, he’s not robust enough where he’s there every week.“When you’ve had an injury, and you’re Newcastle’s No. 9, you might have until the second game back to get up to speed.
He’ll score goals at Liverpool, but I just think the other player might be the better signing.”Arne Slot needs to show more faith in Hugo EkitikePhoto by Matt McNulty/Getty ImagesHaving brought in both Isak and Ekitike over the summer, Liverpool now possess two top-tier strikers capable of leading the attack.Isak is getting the nod at the moment, but every time Ekitike has stepped in, he has looked sharp and hungry.The Reds are set to face Eintracht Frankfurt next in the Champions League. If Slot leaves Ekitike out of the starting line-up again, he will be opening himself up to even more criticism.Ekitike spent last season playing in the Bundesliga and has first-hand experience against Wednesday’s opponents.