How Liverpool Could Line Up With Alexander Isak & Hugo Ekitike Duo – Wirtz Dropped, Salah’s New Role 🔥
Liverpool’s attack has been completely reshaped following the record-breaking arrival of Alexander Isak and the summer capture of Hugo Ekitike. The big question now: how does Arne Slot fit both strikers into his system without sacrificing balance?
The short answer: he doesn’t need to rush it. With Liverpool set to play every three days after the international break, rotation will naturally dictate minutes. Isak, still regaining sharpness after a disrupted preseason, is expected to start from the bench and gradually build fitness.
That leaves Ekitike as the early starter — and he has already made his mark with goals in the Community Shield and the opening weeks of the Premier League.
✅ Lineup 1: The Classic 4-3-3
- GK: Alisson
- Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson
- Midfield: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch
- Attack: Salah (RW), Isak (ST), Diaz (LW)
➡️ Once match-fit, Isak leads the line in the traditional Liverpool setup. Salah retains his wide berth but is expected to drift more centrally, becoming almost a second striker at times.
✅ Lineup 2: Ekitike as the Starter (Isak on Bench)
- GK: Alisson
- Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson
- Midfield: Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai
- Attack: Salah (false 9), Ekitike (inside left), Diaz (inside right)
➡️ Here, Salah operates as a hybrid false nine, allowing Ekitike to attack from the half-spaces. This keeps Liverpool fluid in transition, with Salah dropping to create and Ekitike pushing the defensive line.
✅ Lineup 3: The Bold 4-2-2-2
- GK: Alisson
- Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson
- Midfield Double Pivot: Endo, Mac Allister
- Advanced Midfield: Szoboszlai, Diaz
- Attack: Isak, Ekitike
➡️ Slot has toyed with double-striker systems in training. This setup drops Florian Wirtz, pushing Liverpool into a vertical, counter-heavy system. Isak acts as the reference point, while Ekitike plays off his shoulder — pace and power combined.
Salah’s New Role 🎯
At 32, Salah may not be hugging the touchline for 90 minutes every game. Instead, Slot is reinventing him as a creative scorer-playmaker hybrid — drifting central, linking with the strikers, and saving his explosiveness for decisive moments.
Rotation is Key 🔄
With a packed schedule, fans shouldn’t expect Isak and Ekitike to start together every week. Instead, Slot will rotate them — one leading the line, the other offering impact from the bench. As the season progresses, we could see a true Isak–Ekitike strike partnership emerge, especially in the Champions League.
🔥 Liverpool fans wanted firepower, and now they have it. Two new strikers, Salah’s reinvention, and endless tactical possibilities. The real test begins after the break — with games coming fast, Slot will have all the tools to keep Liverpool’s attack unpredictable and devastating.
