3 weeks ago
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Liverpool is on the brink of finalizing a deal to bring Alexander Isak to the club, a move that would smash the British transfer record.
The Swedish international is nearing his dream switch from Newcastle to Anfield after a summer-long saga. Arne Slot will kick off his international break reflecting on an intense first three matches of the season, which have yielded maximum points.
He'll also need to start preparing for life with a new striker in the squad and the potential challenges of integrating world-class players into his system and starting line-up. Soon, it will become apparent what the Premier League champions' frontline will look like.
But for now, it's likely Isak's workload will be managed to ensure Liverpool isn't left without its record signing for a prolonged period due to rushing him into action too soon.
The revamped Liverpool team has experienced some growing pains, but it has maintained its impressive streak with Dominik Szoboszlai's spectacular goal, securing a crucial 1-0 victory in an early-season title clash with Arsenal.
Already joining the ranks this summer are Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. The duo have been constants in the Premier League for Liverpool in the opening three games.
In an alternate universe, Ekitike might have been teaming up with Isak at Newcastle, as Eddie Howe and his team eyed the Frenchman in their quest to bolster attacking options.
However, Liverpool swooped in to secure the forward from Eintracht Frankfurt, and since his move to Anfield, he has netted three goals in four competitive matches. Ekitike also scored against Arsenal, but it was disallowed after Cody Gakpo was caught offside.
The conundrum for the Liverpool gaffer is how Isak will fit into the team. With the addition of Wirtz, as well as the return of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, Szoboszlai has been utilized at right-back, delivering two standout performances, with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley sidelined due to injuries.
One potential scenario, which drew some criticism from Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher during the opening day victory over Bournemouth, is Isak taking the lead role instead of Ekitike.
But the point raised by the two Sky Sports pundits was whether it would be sensible to have Ekitike warming the bench. Given the number of games that Liverpool will play, including five in 16 days to conclude September, there will be ample opportunities for squad rotation.
In the first three matches, Ekitike has been the sole striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on either wing. Slot might consider Ekitike as an option on the flanks in the attacking trio alongside Salah and Wirtz, with Isak leading the line.
Newcastle might have provided a model for what a dominant attacking duo could look like with Ekitike and Isak. The Swedish international often spearheaded the Magpies' attack solo, while the 23-year-old showcased some of his finest football alongside Omar Marmoush during their stint in Frankfurt.
Employing a two-man frontline could potentially expose Liverpool to more defensive vulnerabilities, as the team's weaknesses were laid bare and scrutinised at the start of the season.
However, a 4-2-2-2 formation could be a strategy to unite the pair on the front line; though, it would mean giving up an attacking player or additional midfield support.
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