Hugo Ekitike had the chance which should really have given Liverpool the lead during Sunday’s frustrating defeat against Manchester City.
The Frenchman has been in superb form recently, underlining his status as the Reds’ biggest goalscoring threat this season.
But that was not on show against City, and as he headed disappointingly wide from Mohamed Salah’s brilliant outside-of-the-boot cross, Ekitike gave a glimpse into just how much Alexander Isak is being missed.
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Marc Guehi pictured in action during Manchester City's Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
It is hard to see how the Swede would fluff such a clear-cut chance, and that Ekitike did means he has now gone another big game without scoring for Liverpool.
In the biggest of occasions this season, the 23-year-old has not shown up. No goals or assists in five appearances against Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and City is a worrying return. Add to the fact Ekitike didn’t threaten when Liverpool played Real Madrid and Inter Milan as well, and the trend begins to be of real concern. Annoyingly, it is one Isak could have fixed.
Liverpool need Alexander Isak for the big games
It is true that Isak has also not delivered when given the chance in big matches since joining Liverpool. He should have scored against Man United, but didn’t, and also failed to make an impact at Inter.
Nevertheless, he did claim what looked like a crucial assist at Chelsea, and has a record of hurting the big sides while with Newcastle.
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak during Liverpool v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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16 goals and three assists in 30 Premier League matches against the ‘big six’ is a very good record, while the 26-year-old also notched the goal which ultimately won Newcastle the Carabao Cup.
Traditionally he has been a player for the big occasion, and with Ekitike looking to catch a bit of stage fright, Isak is exactly what Liverpool need right now.
Thankfully, he should be back in time to help with that before the end of the season, and if Liverpool can stay in the Champions League, he may get the chance on the continental stage as well.
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Liverpool v Manchester City - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Isak deserves more respect
During Ekitike’s brilliant recent form there has been a desire in some sections of the media to downplay Isak.
On Sunday morning, Sky Sports News ran a segment where guests claimed that signing the No. 9 had been a ‘mistake’ and that Liverpool did not even need him.
Ekitike and the Reds took less than one day to prove that completely false, and as some in the fanbase have also been getting carried away by the France international they were given a reminder of his rawness against City.
The reality is that Isak is still the more complete and ready-made striker at Liverpool. He is an elite goal-scorer and he will likely prove that once he returns to the team.
Those who downplayed his importance should get their apologies ready, because the Reds are badly missing their record signing right now.
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