Ekitike Welcomes Isak Arrival at Liverpool: “Good for My Development”

Ekitike: Isak Competition at Liverpool “Good for My Development”

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike says the arrival of Alexander Isak, the club’s £125 million deadline-day signing, will help him grow as a player, as speculation mounts over how Arne Slot will utilise his two headline strikers.

The 23-year-old Frenchman, who joined the Premier League champions for £69 million in the summer, made an immediate impact, netting five goals in his first 10 appearances. However, his role could shift with the addition of Newcastle star Isak, now the most expensive British transfer in history.

Ekitike: “I Still Have a Lot to Learn”

Speaking about the high-profile signing, Ekitike welcomed the challenge:

“I can’t see one big club playing with only one striker, so I think it’s good that he’s here.”

“Even for me at my age, I think I still have a lot of things to improve and learn, so for me it’s good that he’s here.”

While Isak and Ekitike are yet to appear together in a match, the Frenchman says he’s open to playing in various tactical systems:

“I’ve been playing in two-striker compositions, one striker, so I can do a lot of things. If we have to play together, I can do that.”

Carabao Cup Impact… and a Moment of Regret

The pair were both on the scoresheet during Liverpool’s recent Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, with Ekitike coming on for Isak at halftime and scoring a late winner.

However, Ekitike was sent off for excessive celebration, having removed his shirt after already receiving a yellow card earlier in the match.

“That wasn’t smart. Obviously I punished myself alone,” Ekitike admitted.

“I felt disappointed to watch the boys from home last Saturday. I apologised to my teammates. That kind of thing won’t happen again.”

Arne Slot’s Selection Dilemma

Much of the discussion now revolves around how Arne Slot will manage two elite strikers in his system. While Ekitike has thrived in a lone role, both he and Isak have previously operated in two-forward setups.

Slot has not yet tested the duo together, but with Liverpool fighting on multiple fronts, including the Champions League and domestic cups, rotation and tactical variation could offer both men ample opportunities.