The Striker Conundrum: Hugo Ekitike vs. Alexander Isak at Liverpool

Liverpool’s aggressive summer rebuild delivered one of the most intriguing attacking debates in Europe. In a single window, the Reds secured two elite central forwards. Hugo Ekitike was signed for 69 million GBP from Eintracht Frankfurt, while Alexander Isak was signed for a record-breaking 125 million pounds from Newcastle United.

The expectation was simple: Isak would lead the line while Ekitike would develop and be in his shadow. Six months into the season, that script has been flipped.

Ekitike: The Instant Impact

Against initial expectations, the younger Ekitike (23) has delivered the immediate return on investment, dramatically outshining the British record signing, Isak, in the opening months of the season. He has delivered immediate output and tactical value.

Ekitike currently dominates Isak when it comes to goals scored. He has scored 5 goals compared to Isak's 1 league goal, with both strikers sitting on 1 assist each. Ekitike bagged a brace this weekend against Brighton, demonstrating his class and lethal finishing in front of goal. His high-intensity pressing, coupled with his tremendous work rate, is a perfect mould for Arne Slot's system. His ability to drop deep, link play, and attack space has been described as "ruthless."

Ekitike has delivered immediate impact, though his historical statistics suggest he is a "chance machine" who needs refinement in his finishing accuracy. His performances have prompted some pundits to label Isak a “luxury signing,” with Ekitike described as the striker Liverpool didn’t even realise they already had.

Isak: The Slow Start for the Star

Alexander Isak (26) arrived as the marquee signing, expected to be the undisputed number nine. However, his start has been severely hampered. Isak was playing catch-up after a chaotic pre-season at Newcastle and has since dealt with injuries, including picking up a knock against Inter Milan. This has disrupted his rhythm and fitness. He has struggled to pick up a run of games due to these injuries, a major blow to the Swedish star's confidence. Slot has sometimes moved the in-form Ekitike wide to accommodate Isak centrally, a move that demonstrates that the manager is willing to prioritise Alexander Isak despite his poor form recently.

Yet doubts over Isak’s ability remain misplaced. His ball retention, technical fluidity, passing accuracy, and movement between the lines align perfectly with Slot’s broader positional philosophy. Many inside the club still view him as a “system-enhancing striker”. A term used to describe a striker who improves the collective team without delivering the end product. Though his numbers are slow, his high passing accuracy and ability to retain possession are traits that fit Slot's overall tactical vision.

Can They Coexist?

Arne Slot has occasionally paired the two in a diamond or two-striker formation, demonstrating a willingness to adapt. Ekitike himself believes the partnership will become formidable, stating, "We need to work together and find a good association, and the links will come, and it will work." On paper, playing the two strikers together makes sense as Ekitike is clinical and provides aggressive, constant pressing, while Isak can drop in deep, linking play and destabilising defensive lines. Execution, however, is still a work in progress.

For now, the story is clear: Hugo Ekitike is the current king of the Anfield attack due to his form. But with Isak's immense talent, high price tag, and superior clinical finishing ability, the tactical battle for the central striking role will continue to dominate discussions as Slot searches for consistency and balance.

For now, Ekitike wears the crown. But at Anfield, the striker battle is far from settled, and that competition may yet become Liverpool’s greatest attacking weapon. Liverpool has indulged in a barbell approach, securing an immediate difference maker in Alexander Isak, despite his slow start, and a high-potential prospect in Hugo Ekitike to ensure their forward line is secure for years to come.