Arne Slot's latest move is going to cause CHAOS | OneFootball

That’s because Isak is injured again - and is expected to be sidelined with a new groin injury. But on the brief evidence we have got - based on the duo starting in tandem on Wednesday night - the answer is yes.

"If they play as a two - they're going to cause a lot of chaos,” former Manchester United striker Andy Cole said on BBC analysis. It might mean Mohamed Salah missing out - as Cody Gakpo can do no wrong in Arne Slot’s book.

In order to accommodate two strikers who like to play centrally, Salah will have to drop out.

It makes sense to have two strikers based on Liverpool’s buildup. Passers like Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz have one more attacker to connect with as opposition defences sit deep.

And it did pay off against Frankfurt in the Champions League victory midweek. Liverpool were out of sight by half-time.

Ekitike looks miles better than Isak

If there is a thorny issue to emerge following this game, it's that Ekitike looks better. Way better. The Frenchman, 23, has taken next to no time to settle. He is impressive in pretty much every outing.

And he looks a sure bet to become the Reds’ top scorer this season. Ekitike has got six goals in 12 matches for the Reds. Isak is stuck on one. Ekitike looks a perfect fit while Isak is scratching around for form and fitness.

There is no doubt that Isak, 26, will get up to speed but this latest injury won’t help. He needs matches, rhythm, or else he risks being written off early.

Isak cost £125m and Ekitike cost £69m. Right now it’s obvious who is providing the better value for money.

The choice is Ekitike if it's one or the other

Ekitike played 74 minutes against the Eagles, Isak played only 45 before injury struck. He generated a pretty high expected goals total it must be said - at 0.59 – but failed to convert either of his two very good chances.

Ekitike by comparison looked like a prime Fernando Torres to race clear and equalise for the Premier League champions in the first half.

The Frenchman had 37 touches throughout his time on the pitch. Isak - alarmingly - had only 14 - and completed only six of nine attempted passes.

It looks like Ekitike is going to be the one among them to provide the link-up play and be more involved in the buildup. Isak, once he regains fitness, will be the finisher.

Arne Slot is not going to play both every week - it will be hard to pick them in every game - and if he has to go for one over the other right now then the answer is clear.

© Anfield Watch

A good, old-fashioned strike partnership?

Ekitike is miles ahead of Isak - in his impact, his integration and moreover in his value for money.

This is the strongest possible challenge Isak could have had to start his Liverpool career. He was unfit when he signed, has taken time to build up his fitness, and is now injured once again. On top of all of that, his “understudy” is outshining him.

It can only be a good thing in the long run - a bit of healthy, internal competition never hurt anyone.

But this is a reminder that reputations count for nothing - and that Isak’s first task after regaining fitness is matching Ekitike’s output. And what a tantalising prospect - when they are both up to speed.

When was the last time the Premier League saw a good, old-fashioned strike partnership? Arne Slot could be about to bring it back into fashion.