Alexander Isak backed to keep major Liverpool role when Hugo Ekitike returns

Alexander Isak should remain a major part of Liverpool's attack even when Hugo Ekitike returns from injury, with former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant convinced Andoni Iraola can find room for both forwards.

Isak endured a difficult first campaign following his British-record £125million move from Newcastle United, scoring only four times across all competitions after missing pre-season and later suffering a broken leg.

The 26-year-old has faced further scrutiny this season but is beginning to respond, scoring three times across his last two Premier League appearances.

Liverpool's enormous attacking investment in 2025 included £116m Florian Wirtz, £69m Ekitike and £125m Isak.

However, circumstances prevented Iraola from consistently having all of those options available. Ekitike suffered a serious Achilles injury in April and is not expected back until around the turn of the year.

That has allowed Isak to lead Liverpool's attack without direct competition from the Frenchman while attempting to rediscover his best form.

Pennant, though, rejects the suggestion that Isak has simply been fortunate.

"I wouldn't say fortunate because I think they would have found a way maybe to play them both," he told GOAL.

Pennant believes Ekitike's versatility provides Iraola with an obvious solution once both strikers are available.

Ekitike is comfortable drifting towards the left, meaning he could potentially operate from that side while Isak remains centrally.

"Ekitike may have gone on to the left-hand side and come in on his right foot like Gakpo does and sometimes join up as two number nines," Pennant explained.

The former Liverpool winger believes their quality makes leaving either player out particularly difficult.

"You can't have a player like that sitting on your bench," he added.

Competition will become even greater following the £123m arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.

Isak scored against Nottingham Forest and Ipswich before drawing a blank in Liverpool's 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, while Barcola has already begun working his way into Iraola's starting plans.

Ekitike's eventual return will therefore leave Liverpool with an extraordinary collection of expensive attacking options.

For Isak, the immediate task is straightforward. His recent goals have strengthened his position, but maintaining that form before Ekitike returns could make it increasingly difficult for Iraola to consider moving his £125m striker out of the starting XI.

Isak has several months to strengthen his claim before Ekitike is expected to return. Continuing his recent scoring run would make dropping him increasingly difficult.

Once Ekitike is available, Iraola may face one of his biggest tactical decisions of the season: rotate his expensive forwards or reshape Liverpool's attack to accommodate both.