Liverpool Advised to Prioritize Ekitike Over Isak Upon striker’s Return
Jakarta – liverpool manager Arne Slot should favor Hugo Ekitike in the starting lineup despite Alexander Isak’s return from injury, according to former Chelsea and French national team player Frank Leboeuf. The advice comes as Liverpool prepares to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday,November 22,2025,following a 0-3 defeat to Manchester City.
Isak recently returned from an injury that sidelined him for four Liverpool matches and featured for the Swedish national team during the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Switzerland after a substitute appearance against Manchester City. Though, Leboeuf believes Ekitike is currently in better condition and should start, citing Isak’s delayed start to the season due to a protracted transfer.
“This will be complex because currently the only player (forward) who has to play is Hugo Ekitike. Hugo has to play in every match because Alexander Isak hasn’t trained for a while,” Leboeuf told the liverpool Echo. “He previously fought with Newcastle to come to Liverpool. But now Isak is not the Isak we know from when he was playing for Newcastle.”
leboeuf further emphasized Ekitike’s strong start with Liverpool, noting how Isak’s presence initially overshadowed his performance. “He put a lot of pressure on Hugo. Hugo started very well, scoring goals in every game which was a shadow of his own. But now Hugo is good and Arne Slot should just play him.”
The former player concluded that Ekitike should be prioritized regardless of the financial investment in other forwards. “And it doesn’t matter whether the other players are worth 130 or 150 million Pounds. If he’s not ready enough, then you should play Hugo.”
(raw/krs)