Alexander Isak will make his first Liverpool start since his UK-record transfer from Newcastle on Sunday; Swede still looking fit to draw but leaves Arne Sloth with a choice; Watch Burnley v Liverpool live on Sky Sports on Sunday from 1pm, kick-off 2pm
Peter Smith
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After making his first appearance of the season in Sweden's defeat to Kosovo, Alexander Isak said “not everyone has the full picture” of what happened ahead of his record-breaking move to Liverpool on deadline day.
A brilliant debut goal at Anfield. A run behind Ibrahima Konate and Alisson's cross. A lightning strike into the top corner at St James' Park. And the almost inevitable, brilliantly executed winner at Wembley.
Liverpool have been the target of Alexander Isak's talent more than anyone else but fans will now be looking forward to seeing him for the first time on Sunday when they host record signings Newcastle.
He may well start on the bench given his lack of game time during the drawn-out move from the north-east, but there will be a stir whenever he steps onto the pitch.
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Those four goals and one assist in six games against Liverpool have highlighted Isak's ability, his desire for the big stage and his range of threat.
But now that he's in their ranks, how is Arne Slot going to adjust his attacking options to make the most of his new star signing while still utilizing the talents of his other forwards?
After all, Liverpool are once again leading the Premier League scoring charts, having scored eight goals in just three games to start the season. So where does Isak fit in and how does that impact Liverpool's formation?
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Jamie Carragher has reacted to Liverpool completing the signing of Alexander Isak on deadline day and analysed what Arne Slot could look like in the future.
Ekitiku: An attacking partner, moved to the wing or benched?
Pictured: Alexander Isak played predominantly in central areas for Newcastle last season, while Hugo Ekitiecke operated in deep and wide areas for Eintracht Frankfurt.
“It will be tough competition,” said Hugo Ekitiku, who was with the France team this month, when asked about Isak's arrival.
Ekitke has made a rapid comeback since his summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring in his first three appearances for Liverpool, including the Community Shield. However, his role in the team will be directly affected.
“The manager may use two strikers at times,” says Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher. But he notes that it's likely Isak will now be the first choice in midfield, with Ekitiike either rotating in that role with the Swede or competing for a wider position.
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Hugo Ekitiike made his Premier League debut, scoring his first goal for Liverpool at Anfield to give them an early lead over Bournemouth.
During his time in the Bundesliga last season, it was notable how Ekitikey would slip into the corridors during build-up play to help his team get into dangerous areas, and then make his own way into the penalty area to take shots or provide assists from wide areas.
The same theme continued at Liverpool. While he often kept the ball inside the post, he also regularly cut to the left to combine with the likes of Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz.
Pictured: Hugo Ekitikey has played as a centre forward for Liverpool so far, but has also had plenty of touches of the ball on the left flank.
Isak averaged almost seven touches of the ball in the opposition penalty area per game last season, a rate that puts him in the top seven percent of strikers in Europe’s top five leagues. It’s easy to imagine him looking for areas closer to goal while Ekitike and his team operate deeper.
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Alexander Isak says his main motivation for making a stunning move to Liverpool was the desire to win trophies and make history.
Of course, Isak has a long-range threat too – six of his 23 Premier League goals have come from outside the box – so some positional switching and interaction with Ekitike will certainly be part of the plan.
Some rotation is expected at centre-forward. “Hugo Ekitikey wouldn’t be able to lead the line on his own before Christmas,” Carragher said, discussing Liverpool’s need to sign another striker this summer.
Likewise, it would be unrealistic to expect Isak, who has had injury problems in the past, to start every game given Liverpool played 56 games last season as part of their cup commitments.
Pictured: How a fully fit Liverpool could start with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiecki
Gakpo underestimated again?
If Ekitke moves out wide to allow Isak to play centrally, Gakpo will have to make room. However, the Dutchman's contribution cannot be ignored so easily.
Pictured: Cody Gakpo has performed well for Liverpool this season.
Gakpo started at left-back in every Liverpool game and was highly effective, providing more assists, creating more chances and taking more shots than any of his teammates.
Once Isak is fully fit after his interrupted pre-season, Slot could rotate Gakpo and Ekitike on the left wing, depending on circumstances. Also worth considering is rising prospect Rio Ngoumohu, a 17-year-old who has excelled on the left wing since joining the first team.
Can Isak spark Salah?
The Liverpool striker who has clearly not shown himself to be up to par yet is Mohamed Salah, despite scoring two goals in three Premier League games.
The Egyptian, who was named Player of the Season last season, remains untouchable in the Liverpool squad and continues to be a key player on the right side of the attack.
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Liverpool's Mohamed Salah has responded to winning the PFA Player of the Year award for the third time in his career.
But can Isak help Salah return to his best form? The new No.9 will certainly be an additional distraction for defenders, and his movements should create space for Salah.
But beyond his superb goal-scoring ability, Isak is becoming an increasingly talented creator, with last season being his best season for assists (six in the Premier League) and chances created (42).
There is also the question of how Liverpool will cope with Salah's absence at this winter's Africa Cup of Nations. As well as Salah's absence from the tournament, he has struggled since returning from previous editions, whether through injury or other reasons.
So there are a lot of variables here. But if Slot can get the balance, combos, and placement right, Isak's addition could add to an already powerful attack.
Of course, the depth of possibilities with Isak on board is a daunting prospect for their rivals in various competitions.
Isak's quick start will help his adaptation and Liverpool will hope that happens at Turf Moor this weekend.
Watch Burnley v Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League on Sunday from 1pm, kick-off 2pm.
Sourse: skysports.com
