Reds' Dual Striker Acquisition: Tactical Possibilities for Ekitike and Isak

Reimagining Liverpool’s Attack: A New Era with Ekitike and Isak

As the Premier League champions gear up for the 2025-26 season, the arrival of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt and the imminent signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle have raised eyebrows across the football world. This unprecedented dual acquisition of two world-class center-forwards has prompted speculation about how manager Arne Slot might adapt his tactics to accommodate both talents. With Klopp’s era seemingly drawing to a close, the Reds are exploring innovative systems to maximize their new firepower.

A Compressed 4-2-3-1: Fluidity in the Midfield

One intriguing possibility is a 4-2-3-1 formation with a narrow emphasis. Slot could position Salah and Ekitike as advanced midfielders, operating alongside Florian Wirtz in a trio that blends creativity and goal-scoring threat. This setup would allow Jeremie Frimpong and Eberechi Eze to stretch the play wide, compensating for the trio’s inward focus. The dynamic would enable overlapping roles, with Ekitike or Salah occasionally stepping into a central striking role beside Isak, creating a fluid attacking structure.

Ekitike as a Left-Wing Alternative

A more conservative approach could see Ekitike transition into the left-winger role, replacing Luis Diaz after his move to Bayern Munich. Ekitike’s Bundesliga performances, where he ranked fifth in attempted dribbles and shot-ending carries, align with Slot’s preference for one-on-one attackers. His ability to drift inward and cut across the field mirrors the style of Diaz and Cody Gakpo, making him a natural fit for this position. However, this would require Isak to adapt to a supporting role, which could test his versatility.

Reviving the 4-2-2-2: A High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy

Liverpool’s history with a 4-2-2-2 system dates back to their 2023-24 title-winning campaign, where Omar Marmoush and Ekitike formed a lethal partnership. While a 3-5-2 formation is unlikely given the squad’s current structure, Slot might experiment with a 4-2-2-2 in high-stakes matches. This would involve Isak and Ekitike swapping positions frequently, creating overlapping lanes and overwhelming defenses. Yet, the vulnerability in midfield during transitions could expose weaknesses, especially with Wirtz occasionally playing out of position.

Dual Eights in Guardiola’s Mold: A Hybrid Midfield?

Slot’s admiration for Pep Guardiola’s hybrid midfield roles could lead to an unconventional 4-3-3 setup. Ekitike and Wirtz might be deployed as “dual eights,” blending the responsibilities of a midfielder and attacking playmaker. This mirrors Guardiola’s use of Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri at Manchester City, though it would demand a robust midfield trio to counterbalance the risk of leaving gaps in central defense. Slot’s emphasis on transitional play might make this system viable for counterattacks but challenging in sustained possession battles.

Internal Competition: A Path to Flexibility

Instead of forcing both forwards into the same lineup, Slot could use Ekitike as competition for multiple attacking roles. His adaptability as a winger, striker, or playmaker could allow him to slot into whichever position best suits the game plan, while Isak’s physicality and clinical finishing would anchor the front line. This approach would require careful rotation, but it could provide the Reds with a versatile attacking arsenal capable of adapting to different opponents and scenarios.

As the new season approaches, the integration of Ekitike and Isak remains a puzzle for Slot. Whether through compressed formations, role swaps, or hybrid systems, the manager’s vision will determine if this bold move pays off or becomes a tactical conundrum. One thing is certain: Liverpool’s attack is set for a dramatic transformation.