Jamie Carragher claims Hugo Ekitike was Liverpool’s best signing of the summer, but his dynamic with Alexander Isak has left him on the bench as the Reds struggle to revitalize their attack.
Jamie Carragher further highlighted the fact that “Alexander Isaac’s arrival was no big deal” as the team’s “best signing”, Hugo Ekitike, will remain on the bench.
Manchester United’s stunning win at Anfield on Sunday ended Liverpool’s fourth consecutive defeat. Merseyside’s problems deepened as the defending champions fell into disarray despite spending more than £400m in the summer.
The highest UK record fee was £125 million for Isak from Newcastle. He appeared in the costume of the champions, who had already welcomed Ekitike from Frankfurt. The Frenchman paid a fee of £79m and made an impressive start to the Reds, scoring in his first three games.
However, with the addition of Isak, he ultimately fell down the rankings and started on the bench for the last two games. Carragher insists the situation doesn’t suit the team and is still scratching his head over how Arne Slott will find a winning formula from the team.
He told Sky Sports: “All Liverpool supporters have had sleepless nights trying to figure out what system to play, which players to use. I felt that Liverpool’s business was not very Liverpool, but they were similar to Real Madrid in terms of acquiring the most expensive players.”
read more: Jamie Carragher gives Gary Neville the last laugh over cheeky Kyle Walker commentsread more: Milos Kerkes speaks out as Liverpool star sends clear message after Man United defeat
“Ekitike was Liverpool’s best player on the bench, and Wirtz is also on the bench. When you spend that kind of money, you want to see them on the pitch. I was one of the few who didn’t really welcome Isaac’s arrival. It’s not good for Isaac to have Ekitike on the bench. He knows if he doesn’t do something in the first 60 minutes he could be sent off.”
Ekitike has scored five times in all competitions, topping the scoring list. Isak, on the other hand, only scored once against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. His form in front of goal has been criticized, but Carragher insists they need to play alongside each other.
“I think Slot has to find a way to get both guys on the field,” he said. “I’m just scratching my head. At some stage he has to try to make it happen. That was Real Madrid’s summer, and now I think he has to become Madrid manager.”
Carragher has previously mentioned how Carlo Ancelotti welcomed new players who didn’t necessarily fit into his system during his time at the Bernabéu, before thinking about how to get all his best players on the pitch.
Slott endured changes in the summer, retaining Mohamed Salah and Kodi Gakpo before adding Ekitike, Isak and German playmaker Florian Wirths to put pressure on the head coach and inspire them in the final third.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
