Liverpool signed two top strikers this summer in Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
Whether the plan was always to sign both, only those calling the shots at Liverpool know.
Isak is out injured until March at the earliest, making Ekitike the only recognised number nine available for Arne Slot.
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How much are Liverpool missing Alexander Isak?
They created plenty vs Burnley…
Hugo Ekitike tugs at his shorts in frustration after having a goal disallowed during Liverpool's Premier League match against Burnley at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Jan Kruger).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jan Kruger
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It’s a situation that has left Liverpool short-handed, and not one we would have anticipated when the pair arrived at the start of the season.
Liverpool’s win rate without Hugo Ekitike
Isak might have been the more expensive of the two, but it’s Ekitike who has taken the Premier League by storm.
The Frenchman has eight league goals and three assists in 20 appearances, making himself an indispensable cog in the cumbersome Liverpool machine this season.
Is Hugo Ekitike the most exciting attacking prospect Liverpool have had since Kenny Dalglish?
Hugo Ekitike and Kenny Dalglish are the only players to score in five competitions during their first campaigns at Liverpool 🙌
Hugo Ekitike smiles after Eintracht Frankfurt win. Kenny Dalglish on the pitch for Liverpool FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Credit: Liverpool FC/James Baylis/AMA/Getty Images
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When he doesn’t start, Liverpool aren’t likely to win. It’s happened on 13 occasions, with the Reds managing to win just four of those (31%). They came against Barnsley, West Ham, Southampton and Atletico Madrid. That says pretty much everything.
When he hasn’t featured recently, Cody Gakpo has filled in — not a very popular choice. The problem is that behind Ekitike, the options for cover are poor. Right now, that is.
Jayden Danns returning will be a boost to the Liverpool squad
It’s hard to believe this is the state of play, but it looks clear that Liverpool need another forward added to the squad.
Not saying they must go and spend another £100 million. Not at all.
Jayden Danns should be available for Liverpool soon. In December, it was said he would be back from injury early in the New Year.
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak during Liverpool v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
That will be a welcome addition, especially given the dearth of options Arne Slot has to lead the line.
He likely won’t match the impact of those stars ahead of him, but we have seen his quality enough to assume he can hold his own when needed.
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