1 week ago
10
Jeremie Aliadiere has raised questions about the impact of Alexander Isak on Hugo Ekitike's role at Liverpool.
The former Arsenal striker confessed that he would be discontented if he made a high-profile transfer to a club only to find himself competing with another forward. The Frenchman has had an impressive start, scoring six goals in 12 appearances across all competitions, including a goal against his former team Eintracht Frankfurt during Wednesday's 5-1 victory.
Isak was chosen over his strike partner for the team's matches against Chelsea and Manchester United, as Arne Slot experienced his toughest period as a manager, with the Reds suffering four consecutive losses for the first time since 2014.
Ekitike did feature in both games and attempted to make a difference, demonstrating moments of brilliance and posing a threat against the Red Devils. This season's discussion has been dominated by how the French international and Liverpool's acquisition from Newcastle can coexist in the same team.
Isak's participation has been hindered by a disrupted preseason following his forced departure from Newcastle.
However, Aliadiere, a French under-21 international who clinched the Premier League title with Arsenal, is of the opinion that Isak and the 23-year-old will play together, but voiced concerns regarding Ekitike.
"Top player, absolutely a top player," he said, speaking to the Liverpool ECHO via WhichBookie. "My question will be, will the arrival of Isak change something?
"That's my question to Liverpool, you could buy Isak, a top player, but if I'm Ekitike, (I'm saying), 'I'm on the bench, I'm not going to be very happy. I want to play games, I was playing every game before he arrived, and now I'm in competition with him.'
"I think they will play together at some point, but I'd be disappointed being on the bench. I'd want to play every single game. (I'd say), 'I proved last year that I was a goalscorer, and I could score goals' - so it's how he will manage."
The Sweden international picked up a groin problem against Frankfurt and remains doubtful for this weekend's fixture, which could provide Ekitike with an opportunity for an extended run following his explosive start to the campaign.
Aliadiere continued: "It all depends, having competition is always good, you need competition and as long as it's fair and not related to the price-tag or how much you've paid for Ekitike or Isak because if you start playing Isak over him because he's worth more money then I'd be a bit disappointed.
"Against Manchester United, he came on and the first two or three balls, he's not looking to pass the ball or play for anyone apart from himself, is that something he would have done if he started every game?
"I'm not sure, I saw him shooting from 30 yards and I'm thinking, 'You might have made a better pass there,' but because he's come on, he's trying to impress and have an impact, it's a little bit selfish in some ways.
"I think is Liverpool going to create that selfishness between both to prove who is better and who is starting, that's competition for the manager to deal with."
English (US) ·