Isak’s Exit Leaves Room for Ekitike to Become Liverpool’s Main Man

Liverpool’s 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday marked a much-needed end to their four-match losing streak. While the win addressed several lingering questions about the team’s form, one issue seems to have grown clearer: Hugo Ekitike is proving to be the forward most likely to deliver when the pressure is on, especially in the absence of Alexander Isak, whose recent struggles have left room for the Frenchman to take center stage.

Isak, who arrived at Liverpool this summer for a British-record fee of £125 million, was largely ineffective in the first half against Frankfurt, failing to make any impact before being substituted due to a groin issue. His absence highlighted just how much Ekitike has emerged as a critical figure in Liverpool’s attack, especially in light of his impressive goal-scoring form.

Ekitike Steps Up as Isak Fades

With Liverpool trailing 1-0 after Rasmus Kristensen’s opening goal, Ekitike provided the equalizer that would change the momentum of the game. In a remarkable display of pace and composure, Ekitike scored just nine minutes after Frankfurt’s opener. From the moment Andy Robertson cleared the ball out of the Liverpool penalty area, Ekitike sprinted forward, receiving the ball and finishing coolly past his former club.

The goal came with a sense of inevitability, a hallmark of a striker in form, and one that Isak, in his current state, could only dream of. Within minutes of Ekitike’s strike, Liverpool were ahead. Virgil van Dijk’s header put the Reds in the lead, followed by another header from Ibrahima Konaté to make it 3-1 by halftime.

Though the match was largely one-sided, the transformation from a slow start to a dominant victory was sparked by Ekitike’s goal. His impact did not stop there: second-half goals from Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, both assisted by £100 million signing Florian Wirtz, sealed an emphatic 5-1 win.

Isak’s Struggles Continue

For Isak, however, the performance left much to be desired. With just one goal in his last eight appearances, the Sweden international has failed to justify his hefty price tag since his summer arrival. Manager Arne Slot had previously noted that Isak’s preseason was disrupted by uncertainty over his move from Newcastle United, but Slot also stated that from now on, Isak would be judged on his form and fitness.

After starting ahead of Mohamed Salah against Frankfurt, Isak’s first-half display only raised further questions. “Alex had to go off because he felt his groin,” Slot explained after the match. “Let’s hope it’s not too bad.” Isak’s injury concerns may now complicate matters further as the club looks to regain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.

With Ekitike in form and Isak sidelined, the spotlight now shifts to the French forward, who has six goals in just 12 appearances this season, proving his value in critical moments. His clinical nature in front of goal contrasts sharply with Isak’s current struggles, putting Ekitike firmly in the frame to become Liverpool’s go-to forward.

A Turning Point for Liverpool

While Frankfurt’s weak performance played a role in Liverpool’s commanding win, Slot’s team can take confidence from the result. The victory ended a four-game losing streak and showcased some positive developments, particularly the strong performances of Wirtz, Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones in midfield.

Slot will be keen to see if this victory can serve as a springboard for more consistent form, especially as Liverpool’s next challenge comes against Brentford in the Premier League. The test against the Bees will be more demanding, with Brentford known for their set-piece prowess. How Liverpool performs against a side that thrives on aerial duels will provide further insight into whether this 5-1 win marks the beginning of a true turnaround or just a fleeting moment of success.

Wirtz and the Premier League Challenge

While Wirtz was instrumental in the win, providing two assists in the match, questions remain about his ability to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League. The German playmaker showed great vision against Frankfurt, but his earlier struggles in the English top flight—evident when he was shrugged off the ball in the lead-up to Frankfurt’s goal—suggest that he still needs to find his footing in the more demanding league.

As Slot pointed out, “We were able to press the opponent,” something they had struggled to do in recent games. But whether Liverpool can continue to press with the same intensity against more resolute Premier League sides remains to be seen.

The next few weeks will be crucial for Liverpool as they aim to put this win into context. If they can build on their recent victory and assert dominance against Brentford and beyond, the 5-1 triumph in Frankfurt may prove to be the pivotal moment that ends their recent slump.

For now, however, the focus is on Ekitike, whose growing importance to Liverpool’s attack is becoming undeniable. If Isak’s injury keeps him sidelined for an extended period, the pressure will be squarely on the shoulders of Ekitike to lead the line and prove that he is the man to take Liverpool forward this season.