Hugo Ekitike has expressed his belief that the arrival of Alexander Isak at Liverpool will be a positive influence on his own development. The young striker seems to welcome the added competition for a place in the team, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Liverpool made significant moves in the summer transfer window, with Ekitike, 23, joining the club alongside other notable players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. Ekitike's transfer from Frankfurt was reportedly worth £69 million, with a potential £10 million in add-ons. He has made a strong start to his Liverpool career, scoring five goals in his first 10 appearances across all competitions.
Despite Ekitike's impressive start, Liverpool pursued their interest in Newcastle's Alexander Isak, ultimately securing his signature for a British record fee of £125 million on deadline day. This move has naturally led to discussions about the roles of Ekitike and Isak within the team and how manager Arne Slot will manage the two high-profile strikers.
Ekitike appears confident that he and Isak can coexist in the same squad. He acknowledged that top clubs typically need more than one quality striker. He also believes that Isak's presence will be beneficial for his own growth, as he feels he still has much to learn. When asked about the possibility of playing alongside Isak, Ekitike stated that the coach would make the decisions about team selection and formations. He added that he is comfortable playing in different attacking systems, including those with one or two strikers.
There is speculation about how Slot will utilize both players. Some expect Isak to be the first-choice striker, given the substantial transfer fee Liverpool paid for him. However, Ekitike's good form has complicated the decision for Slot. Former Scotland international Ally McCoist has observed that Liverpool fans have taken to Ekitike and that he has looked "terrific". McCoist believes that both players will get plenty of playing time.
Notably, Isak is still adapting to his new team and regaining full fitness after a disrupted pre-season. This makes Ekitike's contributions crucial in ensuring that Isak is not overworked and that the team maintains its attacking threat.
Ekitike's enthusiasm about joining Liverpool is evident. He stated that it was the "best choice" for him, citing the club's status as Premier League champions, its great players, and its rich history as factors in his decision. He also mentioned that Liverpool aligned with what he was seeking after leaving Frankfurt.
Looking ahead, Ekitike was expected to feature in Liverpool's Champions League match against Galatasaray, marking his first appearance since a sending-off in a Carabao Cup match against Southampton. In that game, he scored a late winner after coming on as a substitute for Isak but was then sent off for removing his shirt in celebration. Due to suspension from the red card, Isak started in the game against Crystal Palace. Slot has indicated that Isak is fit to play but might not be able to complete a full 90 minutes.
