Liverpool has 'outstanding' player on Sadio Mane path about to be 'one of the best in Europe'

EXCLUSIVE: Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor on the quality of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, and how Arne Slot can get the best from his number nines when both are fit

Sadio Mane during a Liverpool training session.(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The idea that Liverpool signing two top-class strikers last summer was anything other than a necessity was always ludicrous. It only became more so when Alexander Isak broke his leg at Spurs.

Arne Slot already had Hugo Ekitike — the man who has since taken on the mantle full-time — when Isak was finally signed from Newcastle United, and while both are elite number nines at their best, Liverpool needed more than one option. The theory that having two players who are both good enough to be in the team every week would cause a problem was simply the wrong framing.

While most Liverpool fans knew what they were getting with Isak — even if we have yet to see it much yet — Ekitike was more of an unknown. But so far, there is no doubt that the Frenchman has been a major hit.

"He came after a great season at Frankfurt, and there weren't many strikers on the market this summer," former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor tells Liverpool.com.

"A few clubs were after him. I didn't know how good he is, but since he arrived at Liverpool, he's been absolutely outstanding.

"He scored in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, scored against Bournemouth as well on his Premier League debut, and that helps a striker. The fans have taken to him very quickly.

"He's a big lad, a real presence. I think he's got the potential to become one of the best strikers in European football. It's a bit like when Mohamed Salah arrived, or Sadio Mane arrived, where they were top players, but then you arrive at Liverpool and that gives them the platform to become one of the best in Europe.

Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates scoring a goal with team-mate Florian Wirtz during the Emirates FA Cup third round match at home to Barnsley on January 12 2026(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

"I think Ekitike is like that. He can score a variety of different goals and he is a top center forward. So yeah, he's looking like the main man at the moment and long may that continue."

In time, Isak might well prove to be the focal point, with Ekitike capable of playing deeper and from the left. For now, though, the ex-Frankfurt ace has the jersey while the Swede is sidelined.

"If I'm honest, when they both signed, I thought Isak would be the main man," Mellow continues. "At the moment, it's Ekitike; obviously Isak's out injured.

"I think at times we'll see them both play together and we have done. I think of Frankfurt away when Liverpool played two up top and they scored five goals. I thought they both played very well together. West Ham as well when they came on.

"So at times we will see them both play together. But it could be certain games where only one of them does play and it's a case of who is the most in form at that time and at the moment it's Ekitike.

Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike haven't played much together for Liverpool... yet.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"Isak's actually been brought in for the longer term. He's a finisher. He knows how to find the back of the net. But now, yeah, I think Liverpool will always need two top-class strikers and in those two they certainly have it when both are fit."

It remains to be seen how Isak and Ekitike will fit together regularly when both are fit and playing in the same team, but with doubts over Mohamed Salah's future, that could be a major factor.

What Liverpool does next in the transfer market will be decisive too, with Slot's roster lacking some depth in forward areas. Adding more pace — an upgrade on Federico Chiesa — feels like a sensible idea.

"Well, you've got Ekitike and Isak, you've got Cody Gakpo out there, you've got Rio Ngumoha who's a young, exciting talent," Mellor, speaking on behalf of OLBG, says.

"Salah's still at the football club. He's still one of the best players in Europe, in the Premier League. His form hasn't been what it was last season, but he's still one of the top players. Gakpo's game time has been limited.

"Liverpool still have strong options in attack when everybody's fully fit, so I'm not concerned with that at the moment. Florian Wirtz in behind; Wirtz can play as we saw with Dominik Szoboszlai, sort of a false nine in big games. I think we might see that in big European away games this season.

"So in attack, I'm not too concerned. Obviously Isak's out injured, which we need him back as soon as possible. I just think the priority of this transfer window would be to bring in a defensive player, which I hope can happen."