Steven Gerrard says Liverpool has a potentially major worry brewing, with Alexander Isak the only fit number nine that Andoni Iraola can choose in attack at the moment
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has voiced his concern at the Reds only having one number nine for Andoni Iraola to choose at the moment, thanks to Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury.
Bradley Barcola was signed for big money, and Cody Gakpo, the Dutchman, was kept around after transfer interest from Manchester City, but Iraola could do with some more numbers in forward areas in an ideal scenario.
Gakpo missed the game with Atletico Madrid because of a minor injury, but Iraola had already explained that it was nothing major. He could return this weekend against Fulham, and would be the most logical number nine option if Isak was to miss any action.
"If they have any issues with Isak up front, they’re very light with Ekitike being out injured, so that would be a concern," Gerrard said on TNT Sports before the Reds played in the Champions League.
"I was on record, I think it was Nottingham Forest here a couple of weeks ago, and I said I still think the midfield is light and an injury away from being light because there’s a few young lads around the squad, but I don’t think they’re ready for this level of game.
"The full-back areas concern me a little bit over the course of a full season.
Alexander Isak of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Cody Gakpo during the Premier League match against Ipswich Town
Cody Gakpo has assisted all three of Alexander Isak's goals so far this season(Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
"Liverpool have got a lot of talented players, and the potential for this group of players can challenge very quickly, but I still think there’s a few real key pieces of the jigsaw missing for me."
Isak was excellent as Liverpool won at Ipswich last week. He scored twice to put the Reds in control of the contest.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast and analyzing his performance, Alan Shearer said: "Did you see what happened? I said it, didn’t I, last week?
"If you are going to get the best out of Isak, you have to play early balls in behind, and Liverpool haven’t been doing that.
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"And they did it this weekend. I mean, his two goals were brilliant. Say what you want about the goalkeeper, but the way he shifted his feet, the way the pass is in behind from Gakpo, wasn’t it?
"Early balls, quick balls, running in behind, into his path – that’s how you will get the best out of Alexander Isak. Playing balls like that, playing balls from out wide.
"And he’s brilliant at doing that. There’s not many better, once he gets you liked up one-v-one, the way he shifts his feet, but you have to play those quick balls into his feet and in behind to get the best. And his finishes were superb."