Following their respective £125M and £70M summer moves to the club, the debate between who should start upfront between Isak and Ekitike has been heating up.
Ekitike has made an impressive start, netting six goals across 12 appearances in all competitions compared to Isak’s single goal against Southampton in the EFL Cup several weeks ago.
Ekitike deserves to start
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer states that Ekitike should be starting over the Swedish international who has struggled to find his feet under manager Arne Slot who will likely start the Frenchman against Brentford this weekend.
“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.”
Ekitike could steal Isak's place
Ekitike returned to Eintracht Frankfurt with Liverpool on Wednesday night and scored the equalizer in the first half whilst playing alongside Isak. Shearer continued and revealed that if he can keep this form up, he will stay in the side over Isak, who many believe should have stayed at Newcastle United.
“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 football's 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.”
Isak missed preseason preparation with the Magpies which has affected his game so far. However, he has had enough time to get back to his old self especially after the international break and many are worried if he will ever return to his old self.