Arne Slot Hints at Game-Changing Tactical Revolution for Alexander Isak
Liverpool boss Arne Slot acknowledged his willingness to consider deploying a 4-4-2 formation to field both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké simultaneously, though only in particular situations.
It required several months, a player strike, and £125 million ($168.5 million) to pry Isak away from Newcastle United. Nevertheless, as Liverpool chairman Tom Werner disclosed, the club was already satisfied with securing Ekitiké before ultimately completing British football's most costly transfer on Deadline Day.
Liverpool clearly required additional firepower up front. Beyond losing Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez, the club also suffered the tragic loss of Diogo Jota.
Yet Ekitiké's substantial fee—potentially reaching £79 million—and impressive early-season performances hardly suggest he's destined for a substitute role. Slot has previously suggested deploying the French striker on the left flank while keeping Isak centrally positioned, though the idea of a traditional tactical approach was mentioned for the first time.
"I contemplate [fielding both simultaneously] because you evaluate numerous possibilities," Slot explained to reporters during his pre-match briefing before Saturday's Merseyside clash with Everton. "It's contingent on their performance levels.
"When both are performing at peak levels, you consider it more seriously, but it's evident we operate with a 4-3-3 system, utilizing three central midfielders. However, we've frequently concluded matches with two strikers. Hugo is capable of playing wide left, differently from Cody [Gakpo] and Rio [Ngumoha].
"That's the advantage of our roster—we possess various alternatives, but primarily they must remain healthy. If some are unavailable, we might need to utilize both in a 4-4-2. Everything depends on form and squad availability. Perhaps everyone is currently fit and I can select from 21 players, which is standard. It's not excessive."
Liverpool have employed a 4-4-2 setup merely twice during Slot's complete reign. On both instances, the Dutch manager didn't field a single traditional striker—much less two—instead choosing a duo of false nines featuring midfielders Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Rarely do top contemporary teams operate with two conventional strikers given the reduced midfield protection it provides—Manchester United have consistently demonstrated how challenging it becomes playing with only two central midfielders.
Serie A powerhouse Inter represents a notable exception, successfully deploying a devastating partnership of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez. Nevertheless, this attack-heavy combination is supported by a three-man midfield in a 3-5-2 setup. Slot has never demonstrated any inclination to use three center-backs during his Liverpool tenure.
Will Alexander Isak Feature in the Starting XI Against Everton?
There will likely be no significant tactical modifications for this weekend's Merseyside encounter. Regarding the choice between Isak and Ekitiké, Slot remained characteristically secretive during his pre-match briefing. "I don't believe I reveal much to the press the day before matches," he responded curtly.
"What I can confirm is that Alex experienced more physical strain than usual following his 60-minute appearance [against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday]," Slot was prepared to acknowledge. "We'll assess his recovery today before determining the starting lineup."
Considering Liverpool's cautious approach to Isak's return to competitive action after his summer holdout, it appears highly improbable that Slot would risk his most valuable signing in two matches within 65 hours.