Liverpool tipped to play new formation because of Hugo Ekitike and 'phenomenal' player

EXCLUSIVE: Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey on the form of Hugo Ekitike and how Arne Slot can fit both the Frenchman and Alexander Isak into the same team at Anfield

Liverpool forwards Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

With Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk on top form for Liverpool as the Reds beat Sunderland to close the gap on the Champions League places, there is a platform once again for the attacking talent in front of them to progress.

While Liverpool has been inconsistent this season — and though Arne Slot has made mistakes at times — it is also true that injuries have played a substantial part in its downfall.

Had Alexander Isak been available for longer (and, in fairness, had he not gone on strike during the summer to force the move through), then the Swede would have been able to make a big difference.

Suggestions that Liverpool would be unable to field both Isak and Hugo Ekitike — or that it was a transfer error to sign both players — completely miss the point. You need multiple quality options in every position.

And as the former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey exclusively told Liverpool.com this week, there is a way of fitting both into the same starting XI. While that plan has been delayed, it could yet prove to be the right one in the long term.

"I think they're talking about a 4-4-2 diamond, which probably looks a little bit different when they're defending," Heskey said. "I think that should suit both Ekitike and Isak.

"Ekitike is a nine but he is very versatile. He could play a number 10 role if needs be and he runs all over the place, so he could probably chase into the channel and disturb the back four.

Hugo Ekitike has impressed for Liverpool since making the move to Anfield in the summer. (Image: Stu Forster, Getty Images)

"Ekitike is fantastic. I love the way he plays with no fear. That's tough as well because if you come for a certain price, everyone starts to worry.

"He doesn't worry. He just plays football and doesn't care what anyone else says. He just goes out there, plays his football, and tries to be the best he possibly can.

"Florian Wirtz and Ekitike are forming a bit of a relationship where they understand each other, and these are chances they have got to be taking."

The one big question mark over the new-look attack — for now, at least — is where Mohamed Salah fits in. Though with interest from Saudi Arabia and his contract only running for another 18 months, it isn't necessarily a long-term issue.

Before the end of this campaign, however, he could still make a big difference. With Champions League qualification on the line and two pieces of silverware still to play for, Salah remains a vital player.

"The reality is Mo is a cult figure at Anfield," Heskey continued. "It wouldn't surprise me if he went on a bit of a run and picked his form back up. Next minute, all is forgotten.

"You've got to remember that Mo is a phenomenal player. In that sense, the numbers speak for themselves. When you score 30+ goals per season, no one can really say anything to you."

Salah won't be hitting anything close to 30 this time around. Ekitike might, though, with Isak having the potential to reach that level too.

In a transition season for Liverpool, we could be witnessing a changing of the guard. And after its win at the Stadium of Light, it might yet be one that ends with a top four or five spot being secured, plus a trophy.