Liverpool’s record-breaking summer spending was meant to strengthen their attack, but instead, it’s left Arne Slot with a tactical puzzle that even the club’s legends find hard to solve. Jamie Carragher has admitted his “mind boggles” over how the Reds can fit both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak into the same system, describing the situation as a “problem of their own making.”
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Two Strikers, One Headache
Liverpool spent more than £200 million upgrading their frontline this summer, splashing out £125m on Swedish star Alexander Isak after already signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m. The pair were brought in to sharpen an already lethal attack — but instead, they’ve sparked questions about balance, rotation, and value.
Isak, who inherited the No.9 shirt, arrived as the finished article — a Premier League-proven striker who had scored over 20 goals in each of his last two seasons at Newcastle United. His signing was hailed as a statement of intent by Slot and the club’s hierarchy.
Ekitike, on the other hand, was supposed to be a developmental signing — a young, technical forward with pace and flair. Yet he’s been the one delivering results. The Frenchman has found the net six times in 14 appearances, while Isak, who’s been hindered by a groin injury, has managed just a single goal in the Carabao Cup.
Isak’s Fitness Struggles Continue
Liverpool’s marquee signing has missed the club’s last three fixtures, including crucial domestic and European matches. His groin issue is expected to keep him sidelined for the blockbuster Champions League clash with Real Madrid, where Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to make his Anfield return.
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Isak’s injury woes have forced Ekitike to shoulder the attacking burden, but his recent dip — just one goal in his last eight games — has reignited the debate about whether Slot overinvested in a single position. Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, didn’t hold back.
“It’s very difficult to see a Liverpool team getting two strikers on the pitch. That’s always been my reservation about buying two for that much money who both play the same position,” Carragher said.
“My mind boggles going forward how this is going to work. Right now, Ekitike’s got the shirt — he’s playing really well — but when Isak is fit, Slot has to make some big calls.”
Carragher Questions the Logic
The former Liverpool defender’s comments echo what many fans are already feeling: how do you justify spending over £200 million on two players who can’t play together?
Unlike Jurgen Klopp, whose system rarely used two traditional strikers, Slot prefers a structured 4-2-3-1. That formation leaves only one spot up front, with creative players like Dominik Szoboszlai, Luis Díaz, and Mohamed Salah occupying the wide and central attacking roles.
Trying to squeeze both Isak and Ekitike into that setup would require a tactical rethink — one that risks upsetting the balance of a team already struggling for rhythm after four straight Premier League defeats.
“You can understand Slot trying to give Isak minutes — he’s an elite striker, a huge investment,” Carragher added. “But when you’ve got a player like Ekitike already performing, you’re walking a fine line between rotation and disruption.”
Slot Defends His Strategy
Despite the criticism, Arne Slot insists there’s method behind the madness. The Dutch manager has repeatedly emphasized the need for squad depth, pointing to the demanding 60-game schedule across the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups.
“If I don’t play Alex [Isak], I don’t have him available,” Slot explained before the 2-0 win over Aston Villa. “We need both strikers fit because otherwise Hugo has to play every single game.”
Slot also noted that both Isak and Ekitike played similar numbers of matches last season — 34 each — but Liverpool’s calendar demands more rotation. “That’s why I need to get Alex into playing as many games as possible,” he added.
Selection Storm Ahead
Once Isak returns, Slot will face one of his toughest selection dilemmas yet. Drop Ekitike, who’s been leading the line with energy and commitment? Or risk sidelining a £125m superstar who was brought in to transform the attack?
Carragher believes the real challenge won’t just be tactical — it’ll be psychological.
“You can’t keep two top-level strikers happy unless you’re winning every week,” he warned. “And right now, Liverpool aren’t doing that.”
With huge fixtures against Real Madrid and Manchester City looming before the international break, the timing couldn’t be worse for Slot to juggle egos and expectations.
Final Verdict
Liverpool’s attacking wealth is a blessing — and a burden. In theory, having both Isak and Ekitike provides depth, flexibility, and firepower. In practice, it’s left the Reds searching for identity and cohesion after a chaotic start to the campaign.
Carragher’s bafflement mirrors the broader sentiment across Merseyside: two elite strikers, one starting spot, and a manager trying to make it all fit.
If Slot can’t find the balance soon, Liverpool’s summer of ambition might go down as the season of confusion.
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