Guy Drinkel breaks down Liverpool’s striker strategy on Daily Red Podcast | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike, Rodrygo or Isak? Guy Drinkel Analyses Liverpool’s Striker Strategy

On the latest episode of The Daily Red Podcast, Guy Drinkel stepped in for Dave Hendrick and delivered a wide-ranging analysis of Liverpool’s transfer activity, with a sharp focus on the club’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements. With Hugo Ekitike’s move all but confirmed, attention has now turned to whether Rodrygo or Alexander Isak could follow, and how each might fit under Arne Slot.

Ekitike’s Arrival Signals Serious Intent

As reported by This Is Anfield and echoed by Drinkel, Ekitike has arrived in London for his medical ahead of a proposed £79 million transfer to Liverpool. “If we weren’t going to get one of the two big-name strikers,” said Drinkel, “he does seem perfect. He’s big, he’s got the technical ability, the goals will come, the strength will come.”

Drinkel was particularly impressed by the comparisons to Karim Benzema made by Dave Hendrick on Scouted, describing Ekitike as “the ideal number nine” if the physical development goes to plan. “Unless you can get peak Luis Suárez… you want a perfect Benzema striker,” he said. “It’s great stuff.”

Ekitike, aged 23, is seen by Slot as the modern mobile number nine who can press and link play. Drinkel quoted reports that Slot told Ekitike over Zoom that he needed “a mobile and dynamic number nine who could combine brilliance on the ball with tenacity and intelligence off it.” Ekitike reportedly viewed himself as “the perfect fit” for the role.

Striker Market Dynamics and Isak’s Profile

While Ekitike’s signing addresses Liverpool’s central striker need, speculation continues around the possibility of another forward addition. Alexander Isak’s name has resurfaced, particularly as Liverpool evaluate squad depth and the potential departures of Darwin Núñez or Luis Díaz.

Drinkel acknowledged Isak as a long-standing favourite, stating, “Maybe Isak was just our ideal striker.” Slot’s previous reliance on Santiago Giménez at Feyenoord could point to a stylistic preference that Isak fits better than others.

However, finances and roles come into question. “Would we have a £79 million rotation option when we then spend £130 million on a striker?” asked Drinkel. “It’s probably a bit daft.” His logic suggested that while Isak would elevate the squad, the expense may not match the practicality of squad-building.

Rodrygo Could Solve More Than One Problem

Drinkel leaned heavily towards Rodrygo if Liverpool were to make a second attacking signing, calling him the most versatile option. “If we think Wirtz is definitely going to be a 10, it would be Rodrygo,” he stated. “Rodrygo would fix more issues.”

The Brazilian’s ability to cover both wings and play centrally gives Slot options. “Say you have Wirtz and Dom as the 10s, you have Rodrygo and Cody on the left wing, Mo on the right wing,” said Drinkel. “And then if he needs a rest, we can probably play Rodrygo on the right.”

That level of flexibility was a central reason for Drinkel’s preference: “I’d probably side with Rodrygo. Is that stupid? That might be stupid.”

He added that the club “could spend £80-odd million on him by all accounts, then bring in a backup striker and still have money spare with that Isak money.”

Slot’s Influence and the Bigger Picture

One of the standout themes in Drinkel’s discussion was the growing influence of Arne Slot in convincing top talent. Drinkel cited Ekitike and Florian Wirtz as examples, highlighting that both players were reportedly swayed by personal Zoom conversations with the manager.

“Considering we replaced Klopp last season and a lot of people were concerned about the pull of the club… we get Arne Slot in who has done his part,” Drinkel said. “Convincing one of the biggest talents in the world and probably the next best young striker in the world. It’s excellent.”

Final Word

As things stand, Hugo Ekitike’s signing looks imminent and is already being touted as a potentially transformative addition. Whether Liverpool double down with Rodrygo or Isak remains to be seen, but Drinkel’s thoughtful breakdown suggests the club are navigating the window with clarity and ambition.