Liverpool have lost their last four games in all competitions, with Alexander Isak struggling to make an impact since his British-record move from Newcastle in September
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been urged to drop Alexander Isak from his starting XI(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has been advised to bring Hugo Ekitike back into Liverpool’s starting line-up, replacing British-record signing Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker was signed from Newcastle for a whopping £125million in early September, but has only managed to score once in seven appearances across all competitions.
The 26-year-old could only muster one shot on target on Sunday as Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United in the Premier League. This marked the Reds’ fourth consecutive loss despite a promising start to their campaign where Ekitike proved effective, netting five goals in total.
Ex-United goalkeeper Ben Foster now thinks Liverpool manager Slot has some tough decisions to make in the coming weeks, including whether to reinstate Ekitike to his starting XI instead of Isak.
On his Fozcast podcast, the former England and Wrexham keeper said: “I’m surprised by Liverpool, because it’s been a little bit clunky, whereas you look at last season and everything was free flowing.
“Even earlier in the season with Ekitike up there, it looked a lot easier on the eye, whereas now it just looks like Isak didn’t even get a kick. He didn’t ever look like he was going to score. That’s the bit for me where I think they might have to start making some really difficult choices in the next few weeks.”
READ MORE: Arne Slot issues Ryan Gravenberch injury update and admits ‘worry’ over starREAD MORE: Liverpool could face UEFA sanction after late arrival to Frankfurt for Champions League clash
Ekitike, who joined the Reds in July from Eintracht Frankfurt for a potential fee of £79m, is set to face his former club in the Champions League on Wednesday. The French striker, who netted 26 goals in 64 appearances for the Bundesliga side, started on the bench against United with Isak chosen over him.
However, Isak failed to impress as he shot straight at goalkeeper Senne Lammens with his only opportunity. Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has also voiced his opinion that Ekitike should be given preference over Isak, despite the latter’s hefty transfer fee.
Hugo Ekitike has enjoyed a strong to his Liverpool career(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Rooney attributed Isak’s lacklustre start at Anfield to his lack of pre-season training due to his protracted and contentious exit from Newcastle.
On his BBC podcast, Rooney said: “I wouldn’t play Isak, he hasn’t looked ready since coming from Newcastle. He hasn’t trained, hasn’t had a pre-season. It’s so important.
“While Newcastle were training he was probably sat at home on the phone to his agent for six hours a day trying to get a move.”
He added: “It’s so difficult when you don’t have a pre-season. He might’ve done stuff by himself but he’s paying the price of it. On performances, he doesn’t deserve to be playing ahead of Ekitike.”
The final call on whether Ekitike gets the nod to start is in Slot’s hands as he looks to halt Liverpool’s recent slump. Despite Isak’s transfer from Newcastle stealing the limelight over the summer, Ekitike’s impressive displays so far make a compelling case for him to be first choice.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
