Journalist hails Liverpool signing as a revelation | OneFootball

Ekitike Emerges as Liverpool’s Leading Striker as Isak Setback Reshapes Attack

Liverpool’s forward line has undergone a significant shift this season, with Hugo Ekitike stepping decisively into the spotlight following Alexander Isak’s long-term injury. Once viewed as a supporting figure, the French striker has instead become central to Arne Slot’s attacking structure, delivering goals, consistency, and authority in a role that has often eluded the club in recent years.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool, The Athletic’s James Pearce offered a detailed assessment of Ekitike’s impact, describing him as “an absolute revelation” and highlighting how early expectations surrounding his role have been overturned.

This article draws on Pearce’s analysis, originally reported by talkSPORT, to examine how Ekitike’s rise has reshaped Liverpool’s attacking hierarchy and altered long-term planning around Isak.

Photo: IMAGO

Ekitike’s Rise After Isak’s Injury

When Liverpool completed the high-profile signing of Alexander Isak, there was a widespread assumption that Hugo Ekitike would operate in a secondary role. However, that narrative changed dramatically following Isak’s broken leg in December, which sidelined him for an extended period.

Pearce explained how perceptions shifted over time, saying: “When you think back to last summer, there was this expectation when Liverpool signed Isak that was like: ‘Well, Ekitike is going to be the sidekick really’. And he’s well and truly blown that one out of the water.”

Since taking on primary responsibility, Ekitike has embraced the pressure of leading the line. His Premier League tally has steadily increased, placing him among the club’s top scorers across all competitions. More importantly, his performances have come in high-leverage moments, providing Liverpool with stability during a difficult transitional period.

Reflecting on this responsibility, Pearce added: “He’s embraced the responsibility as well, because since Isak broke his leg in early December, there’s been so much pressure on him to deliver yet he relishes it.”

Rather than appearing weighed down by expectations, Ekitike has thrived in the absence of competition for the central striker role.

Tactical Fit Under Arne Slot

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s attacking system demands mobility, intensity, and intelligent pressing from the number nine. Ekitike’s profile aligns closely with those requirements, offering both physical presence and technical fluency.

Pearce highlighted this balance in his assessment: “I just think he’s got everything you want in a centre forward. Pace, power, he’s combative, his work ethic is absolutely spot on.”

This combination has allowed Liverpool to maintain verticality in possession while also pressing aggressively out of it. Ekitike’s willingness to engage defenders, stretch back lines, and drop into midfield zones has helped facilitate the movement of players such as Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.

Crucially, this tactical suitability has meant that Isak’s absence has not forced a structural overhaul. Instead, Slot has been able to refine existing patterns, with Ekitike acting as both focal point and facilitator.

In this sense, the Frenchman has not simply filled a gap left by injury. He has reshaped how Liverpool’s attack functions.

Comparisons With Fernando Torres

One of the most striking aspects of Ekitike’s early Liverpool career has been the frequent comparison to Fernando Torres. After his brace against Newcastle, Pearce drew direct parallels between Ekitike’s movement and the Spaniard’s iconic debut-season form.

Discussing Ekitike’s second goal, Pearce said: “That second goal – it was pure Torres wasn’t it? Torres against Chelsea on his home debut back in 2007.”

He continued: “It was almost the same patch of grass in terms of bursting past the defender on the outside, and the unbelievable finish into the far corner.”

These comparisons are not made lightly. Torres’ arrival in 2007 marked a turning point in Liverpool’s attacking identity, bringing pace and ruthlessness to the number nine role. Ekitike’s ability to replicate those patterns suggests he may be fulfilling a similar function in the modern era.

While stylistic parallels do not guarantee longevity, they underline how complete Ekitike’s current skill set appears. He combines physicality with composure, making him effective both in transition and against deep defensive blocks.

Long-Term Implications for Liverpool and Isak

Ekitike’s form inevitably raises questions about Liverpool’s long-term planning, particularly regarding Isak’s reintegration once fully fit. Before his injury, Isak struggled for consistency, managing only three goals in 16 appearances.

By contrast, Ekitike has moved beyond short-term contribution and established himself as a reliable scorer. Pearce believes his ceiling is even higher, stating: “I think that was 15 goals he’s got to his name now, there’s no reason why he couldn’t go on and get 25 this season.”

This projection reflects growing confidence within the club that Ekitike can sustain elite-level output. It also complicates decisions surrounding squad balance, rotation, and tactical flexibility.

Liverpool have previously struggled to find a traditional goalscorer capable of delivering 20-plus league goals consistently. As Pearce noted, earlier systems relied heavily on false-nine structures or wide forwards for production. Ekitike appears to offer a more orthodox, yet adaptable, solution.

For Isak, this creates renewed competition. His return will provide depth and tactical options, but he will no longer be viewed as the automatic first choice. Instead, Liverpool may now possess two contrasting profiles, with Ekitike currently holding the advantage.

If managed correctly, this dynamic could strengthen Liverpool’s attacking resilience. If mishandled, it risks destabilising established hierarchies.

For now, however, the trajectory is clear: Ekitike has moved from understudy to standard-bearer, reshaping Liverpool’s forward line and redefining expectations.