Liverpool's Hidden Gem Shines Brighter Than Alexander Isak Target
As the weeks progress, Alexander Isak, the Premier League's most expensive acquisition, appears increasingly like an extravagant purchase for Liverpool.
Liverpool established their priorities early during last summer's transfer period. Isak represented their ideal acquisition, a significant improvement over Darwin Núñez and the key player who could propel them to glory for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, discussions with Newcastle United failed to materialize as hoped.
Liverpool's initial substantial financial offer was quickly rejected, and the defending Premier League titleholders, unwilling to begin the new campaign without a genuine striker, shifted their focus to Hugo Ekitiké.
In an instant, the promising French talent became a Merseyside inhabitant, apparently concluding the Isak chase permanently. Yet the Swedish player's following goal and public statement about "unfulfilled commitments" kept possibilities open. Liverpool found it impossible to resist.
Ultimately, following an extended transfer drama, the Reds secured their target, spending £125 million in the process. The championship battle was immediately considered finished before commencing, with Liverpool anticipated to cruise to consecutive titles effortlessly. Adding a striker who had netted 44 goals over the previous two Premier League campaigns to a team that had just secured the championship by ten points seemed almost unfair.
However, football rarely follows such straightforward patterns. Isak, having missed all pre-season activities in voluntary absence, arrived unprepared and lacking competitive fitness. Liverpool's dominance faded and weaknesses appeared both with and without him. The 26-year-old was now required to not only contribute to the Reds, but rescue them from their unexpected difficulties.
Isak's ensuing difficulties have put the striker directly in the spotlight, with criticism growing after each missed opportunity or lackluster performance. Opposition supporters have celebrated the forward's downturn, while even tolerance among Liverpool fans is diminishing.
However, fortunately for Liverpool and their supporters, they don't require Isak at this moment. Arne Slot already possesses a formidable attacking force—and his name is Ekitiké.
Fearless Ekitiké Outshines His Competition
Everything that Isak hasn't delivered for Liverpool, Ekitiké has provided. Fans didn't need to wait long for direct evidence of the 23-year-old's excellence, having already witnessed highlights of his 22 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt the previous season. A precise and skillful finish within four minutes of the Community Shield provided a preview of the talent available.
An equally calm finish during his competitive Anfield debut, followed by another sharp strike at Newcastle the following match, confirmed there was no question about the tall striker. Pace, assurance and, crucially, effectiveness were all displayed in his initial three appearances.
Aside from a foolish red card against Southampton in the Carabao Cup for removing his shirt in celebration, Ekitiké has made an impeccable beginning at Anfield. Even three months into the campaign, he remains the sole summer addition to have met or surpassed expectations.
Consecutive Premier League doubles against Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion have further validated Liverpool's choice to invest £79 million in the striker, his total now standing at nine across all competitions—including the Community Shield.
Yet it's not merely his finishing ability that has impressed. Blazing speed was evident in strikes against Eintracht Frankfurt and Leeds, while he tops his teammates for successful dribbles per 90 in the Premier League. He's dynamic, whether or not he's scoring goals.
Ekitiké is familiar with the demands of representing a European giant. He transferred to Paris Saint-Germain from Reims at age 20 and subsequently found it difficult to make his mark within a talent-rich squad. The switch to Frankfurt revitalized a gifted player, but there were worries that another setback might occur at Anfield.
Ekitiké has decisively quieted his critics.
Patience Required With Isak
Ekitiké's excellence has only cast a brighter light on Isak's struggles. While his younger, less seasoned and £46 million less expensive striking colleague is excelling, the former Newcastle forward still appears unfit, drifting through games without making an impact. However, patience remains crucial.
The burden of justifying a Premier League-record transfer fee is challenging enough, but doing so at a club experiencing one of their poorest spells in a decade intensifies the situation. At £125 million, anything short of excellence attracts criticism.
Additionally, Isak has been dealing with injury and persistent fitness concerns. While the Sweden international should be match-ready after more than two months on Merseyside, an inconsistent period has prevented any progress. Isak, who already had a history of injury problems, missed four games shortly after the October international break just as he was finding his rhythm.
There remains an expectation that Isak will eventually succeed for Liverpool—and justifiably so. Multiple excellent seasons with Newcastle cannot be ignored, with Isak possessing the established Premier League credentials and clinical ability that indicate he will improve sooner than later.
Isak's attributes mirror Ekitiké's—speed, stature and strength—and nothing prevents him from justifying his substantial price tag. Fortunately, thanks to Ekitiké, he will receive time to develop.