Liverpool's new head coach Arne Slot is facing his first major tactical conundrum, with pundits Ally McCoist and Frank Leboeuf weighing in on how he could deploy his two expensive summer signings, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, together.
The £204 Million Striking Question
The Reds embarked on a significant spending spree during the summer transfer window, culminating in the high-profile acquisitions of two strikers. Hugo Ekitike was signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee that could reach £79 million, setting a substantial marker for the club's ambitions.
On transfer deadline day, Liverpool shattered their own record and the British transfer record by securing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a staggering £125 million. This brought the total investment on the two forwards to a colossal £204 million.
Contrasting Fortunes on Merseyside
The early returns on these massive investments have been markedly different. Since his arrival, Hugo Ekitike has found the net six times, quickly endearing himself to the Anfield faithful.
In stark contrast, Alexander Isak has managed just a single goal for his new club. His struggle for form has been noted, with Frank Leboeuf suggesting the Swede is "not the Isak we have known from years playing for Newcastle."
Pundits Propose Solutions for Slot
The pressing question for Slot has been whether he can field both of his star signings simultaneously. Ally McCoist believes it is entirely possible, though it would require a tactical tweak.
"One dilemma that Arne Slot has got, is if they could play together? Of course they could play together," McCoist told talkSPORT Bet. He suggested that in a 4-3-3 formation, Ekitike would likely be the one adapting, 'coming off one of the sides' rather than leading the line centrally.
Frank Leboeuf, however, presented a more immediate and pragmatic view. He argued that current form should dictate selection, regardless of transfer fees. "It's going to be tricky because right now the only one who should play is Hugo Ekitike," Leboeuf stated in an interview with OLBG.
He emphasised that Ekitike's performance warrants a starting spot over the struggling Isak, adding that Slot has "the choice of a king" with both players also capable of playing on the left wing.
Salah's Form Adds to Attacking Concerns
Compounding Slot's selection headache is the dip in form of a club legend. Both pundits expressed concern over Mohamed Salah, who has scored only five times across all competitions this season.
"I don't care what anybody says, he's not firing," said McCoist, while acknowledging the Egyptian's incredible past contributions. Leboeuf concurred, bluntly stating, "he is not the Salah we have seen."
This collective struggle in the final third means Arne Slot has a significant puzzle to solve as he looks to get Liverpool's expensive new attack firing on all cylinders.
