Alan Shearer heaps praise on ‘brilliant’ Liverpool star | OneFootball

Alan Shearer raises doubts over Liverpool striker strategy

Liverpool’s summer business delivered firepower and intrigue in equal measure, yet questions remain about whether the plan was always this clear. Hugo Ekitike’s early impact has been emphatic, goals, confidence, presence, while the parallel arrival of Alexander Isak continues to provoke debate. Alan Shearer, never one to accept surface explanations, has suggested there is more beneath the surface when it comes to Liverpool’s striker recruitment.

Ekitike’s brace in the 2-1 win over Brighton underlined how quickly he has settled on Merseyside. Ten goals into the season is a strong return, particularly in a team still adjusting to life under Arne Slot, fresh from winning the Premier League title in 2024-25. Yet Isak’s quieter start, just one goal since his high profile move from Newcastle, has sharpened scrutiny of Liverpool’s intentions.

Hugo Ekitike impact at Liverpool

Ekitike looks like a forward who believes he belongs. There is conviction in his movement, authority in his finishing, and a willingness to shoulder responsibility when rhythm is hard to find. That has not gone unnoticed by Shearer, who praised both his quality and mentality while questioning the wider context of the transfer.

He said on The Rest Is Football: “Liverpool has got a really good player there. He is brilliant. He has got a spark and a good arrogance.

“He has got belief and confidence. He has gone into a tough environment and has really stood out which is not easy when the rest of the team is struggling.”

Photo: IMAGO

Those comments speak to why Ekitike currently appears first choice, especially with Isak managing fitness issues that have forced rotation.

Alan Shearer scepticism over transfer logic

Praise, however, came with scepticism. Shearer was clear that he doubts Liverpool always intended to sign both Ekitike and Isak.

“But I would love to know the full story about Ekitike and Isak, about whether Liverpool really wanted them both. For most of the time, it will be one or the other.

“I know they both played in Milan but if you are paying that much for one, and leaving the other out, there will always be issues.”

His suspicion centres on the idea that elite strikers expect to start, and managing two expensive forwards is rarely straightforward.

Isak questions and Liverpool balance

Shearer also pointed to Newcastle’s involvement and Isak’s decision making as part of a narrative that feels incomplete.

“Obviously Newcastle came in for him, was talking to him and he chose Liverpool. Fine, I get that and understand it. But then the Isak situation as well, I don’t know. I am not convinced we know the full story.”

Micah Richards echoed that uncertainty, admitting he assumed Isak would be Liverpool’s focal point. He said: “When Liverpool got Ekitike in, I was convinced it meant that Isak was no longer happening.

“Then when it came back to the table, everyone thought Isak was the final piece as a tried and tested striker.

“I spoke to Thierry Henry, who knows him very well. He said ‘he is going to be a very good player but we have to see if he is ready for the Premier League’. It was a little bit of a gamble.

“We knew what we were going to get from Isak. It seemed like Liverpool only went for Ekitike at the time, because it didn’t think it would get Isak.”

For now, Liverpool benefit from depth and competition. Whether harmony follows, or tension emerges, may define how this bold attacking gamble is remembered.