How can Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike fit into same Liverpool team? 'Teething problems' and 'hard decisions' ahead for Arne Slot

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Liverpool had a huge summer in the transfer market as they splashed the cash on Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and others. But how will head coach Arne Slot fit his new forwards into the starting XI? Former West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has assessed the challenges ahead for Slot as he looks to get Isak into a team that has won all three Premier League matches this season.

'A hard decision for Slot' - Antonio on Liverpool's Isak-Ekitike dilemma

Video credit: TNT Sports

Michail Antonio has warned Liverpool could have "teething problems" as Arne Slot faces "hard decisions" over how to fit Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike into the team.

Ekitike has made a bright start at Liverpool after signing for a reported £69 million this summer, scoring three goals in four games.

But he will face strong competition for the No. 9 role after the international break from £125m signing Isak, who joined from Newcastle United on deadline day.

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Isak scored 23 Premier League goals last season and joins an attack which, as well as Ekitike, also features last season's Golden Boot winner Mohamed Salah, £116m signing Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo.

Speaking on The Breakdown, former West Ham United forward Antonio said: "I think it’s going to be a hard decision for Slot.

"You thought Isak was going to be your No. 9, but now Ekitike has come in, he can’t not be the No. 9 right now. So what is he going to do?

"Isak has come in to play, so will he play him off the left? Because Mo isn’t moving from the right. How are you going to do it?

"There will definitely be some teething problems and how will he deal with the egos because they are massive players and Ekitike has done well enough to be No. 9."

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Ekitike has played up front so far this season for Liverpool, who are the only team with a perfect record after three games in the Premier League.

Antonio thinks the France international has already shown he is an important player for the champions.

"As soon as Ekitike comes off the field they lose that shape going forward and lose direction of play going forward and that’s how they started conceding more goals.

"You are bringing in someone who has cost £125m, so having someone else who you can bring on who is a danger-man can really help."

Liverpool will look to make it four wins from four when they face Burnley after the international break.

They then face Atletico Madrid in their UEFA Champions League opener on September 17, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Ekitike says the decision over how to fit himself and Isak into the Liverpool team is the "coach’s problem".

"When you play for the best teams, you inevitably expect to be competing with the best players," he said.

"Isak is a player I used to watch, so seeing him arrive is a pleasure. It's going to be tough competition, but I'm going to work hard to be good and perform well so that it's just the coach's problem."