Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike both joined Liverpool in the summer for huge transfer fees and have been competing to be the number one striker at Anfield
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are both competing for the central striker position at Liverpool.
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are both competing for the central striker position at Liverpool.
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Former Newcastle United striker believes Hugo Ekitike has already done enough to show he can be Liverpool's main striker despite Alexander Isak also arriving at the club this summer.
The Reds spent a reported £79million on the French forward to sign him from Eintracht Frankfurt, and he's hit the ground running, scoring six goals in 12 appearances in all competitions.
Given Newcastle's stubborn refusal to sell Isak, Ekitike looked as though he was going to be Liverpool's main man up front. However, when the two clubs eventually struck a deal, Arne Slot's side jumped at the opportunity to sign one of the Premier League's most feared forwards.
Nevertheless, Isak has not hit the ground running with the Reds since his move to Anfield, scoring just once in the Carabao Cup against Championship side Southampton.
The Swedish striker didn't have a pre-season with the Magpies and Slot had to manage his return to full fitness while balancing the need to pick up points.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: "I think that Hugo Ekitike has already done enough to become Liverpool's number one striker for me, forget the price tags and everything else.
"He came in before anyone and obviously had scored the goals and looked really good in that position. Then he was sort of shifted out last night to a wider position, he wasn't really involved in the game up until the goal.
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"Even the commentators said at the time that he hadn't really had many touches. But then, the way he took his goal and the way he finished it to get himself into that position - he's got every right to think he should be starting on a regular basis.
"I know footballs changed and I know it's very difficult to start every game in Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. But he's got every chance to think that he's done enough to stay in the team."
Hugo Ekitike gestures during the Champions League match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool.
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike impressed against Eintracht Frankfurt.(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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