With Isak, how will Liverpool attack?

Liverpool is already the strongest team in the Premier League. Now they officially have Alexander Isak (the most expensive player in English football history). How will Liverpool's attack play?

Hugo Ekitike was one of the standout performers of the pre-season, becoming the first player in over a decade to score in his first three Liverpool appearances. But the £69m striker was the first to feel the impact of Isak’s arrival. Of course, Liverpool did not pay the highest transfer fee in English football history for Isak and then not use him.

Isak will significantly strengthen Liverpool's attack

Photo: Liverpool FC

It is likely that Ekitike will have to move to the wing, meaning he will have to accept a supporting role. He may even be benched, in the situation where he is not good on the wing. If Liverpool use Ekitike as a winger, one of the two remaining wingers, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, will lose their place.

Ekitike is a modern-day centre-forward, playing well in many different positions and roles. On the one hand, he can completely switch roles, taking on the responsibility of scoring goals in the middle instead of automatically understanding that it is Isak's job. On the other hand, Isak - or any other star - has to have times when his form declines. The same goes for the wings. Salah this season, although still scoring goals, is no longer as brilliant as before. The good thing about Liverpool strengthening a series of attacking stars this season is that they have completely shaken off their dependence on Salah.

At any given time, the glut of stars ensures that coach Arne Slot has at least three excellent strikers. When there are enough players, everyone has to accept sacrificing their place, including Salah and Isak, not to mention the lesser-known Gakpo. Another advantage for Liverpool's attack after adding Isak is the tactical solution. Mr. Slot can use 1 or 2 strikers.

Speaking of Liverpool's style of play, the man behind the striker is even more important. He was already Liverpool's most expensive player, and possibly the most expensive in England (if the clauses become real) before Isak's arrival. Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz has not yet met expectations after 3 rounds. He is a source of assists, with the main responsibility of creating scoring opportunities for Liverpool.

Whether Wirtz shines or not, Liverpool have won all 3 matches so far. The problem now is that the forward line is too crowded, Wirtz cannot be pushed forward anymore. If he is still used, attacking midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister (or both) will lose their places. Liverpool also have midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who is very good and especially important because he has very high defensive qualities.

Similar to the problem of the forward line: Coach Slot uses which midfielder first depends on individual performance - only the best players at each specific moment have the opportunity to play. In addition, depending on the situation, whether it is necessary to focus on attack or defense, against each specific opponent, Mr. Slot has different tactical solutions. For now, Liverpool's force is too strong.

In addition to the above-mentioned stars, Liverpool's midfield still has Wataru Endo or Curtis Jones. If the striker force is too thick, making Wirtz a pure midfielder and the midfield becomes more crowded, then midfielder (reserve) Endo can become a defender, and this helps Liverpool's defense have more people when needed. On the other hand, because the attack is too strong, Liverpool's defense only needs to prioritize safety, not rushing up and accepting counterattacks like before.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/co-them-isak-liverpool-tan-cong-the-nao-185250911181723042.htm