Arne Slott reveals ‘simple reason’ why Alexander Isak was the ‘perfect’ summer signing for Liverpool and why Florian Wirtz was ‘very special’

Isak was the Premier League’s second highest scorer last season, scoring 27 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle in 2024/25.

He has so far failed to replicate that form for Liverpool, scoring just one goal in eight appearances and is currently sidelined with injury.

“Yes, this season too we are one of the teams who create the most chances from open play, along with Man City, for the simple reason that we have scored the most goals,” said the Liverpool head coach.

“And the first thing you think about is if we can bring in a No. 9 who can finish these attacks, that would be ideal.”

Slott says ‘change in playing style’ affected Wirtz at the start of his Liverpool career

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Alongside Isak, another big-money signing for Liverpool this summer was Florian Wertz.

Wirtz was left out of the starting lineup as Liverpool went on to lose six of seven matches.

“If you can give him space, which he has this season, maybe not as much as in the Bundesliga, but he is very special,” Slott said of Wirths.

“And we have to try to get him into these spaces as much as possible. He’s been there and created, but maybe the end result was unfortunate.”

“He’s also experienced a change in playing style. He was used to a 3-4-3 system, so there are different factors involved.”

Equitique will be a “huge success”

Hugo Ekitike, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt at the start of the summer, led Liverpool’s line in both matches without Isak.

Ekitike has scored six goals for the Reds and Slott is rooting for him to be a “huge success” with the club.

“When you’re that tall and your footwork is as good as he is, that’s what makes him special,” Slott said. “His footwork is great, his finishing is great, so we’ve brought in two very good No. 9s, just like we’ve brought in a lot of good players in the past.

“The depth in the Premier League is very strong so playing every three days will be something for him (Ekitike) to adapt to, but he is very talented and will be a huge success at Liverpool.”

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Comparing Ekitike and Isaac, Slott added: “They have similar qualities, but they also have different qualities.

“In my opinion, Hugo can also play on the left or around Alex, while Alex is more of an out-and-out No. 9. Perhaps Hugo is more of a player who prefers to drop into space, while Alex prefers to play centrally.”

Part of Liverpool’s struggles this season are thought to be due to signing so many players in the summer window.

However, Slott suggests injury issues are a bigger problem for the team.

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“I fully believe that the policy and strategy of this club is not to have too big a team,” he said.

“We have 19 or 20 players and when you have this many games it is very important to keep them healthy and that was more difficult for us than last season. When I arrived last season, every player in the team had already experienced at least one season of the Premier League and this season many players will be playing for the first time.”

Liverpool will be looking to make it three wins in a row when they face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Liverpool are one point behind City and seven points behind leaders Arsenal.