{"id":524212,"date":"2025-10-24T07:54:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T07:54:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/524212\/"},"modified":"2025-10-24T07:54:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T07:54:15","slug":"alan-shearer-insists-arne-slot-has-been-shown-who-liverpools-top-man-is-amid-selection-dilemma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/524212\/","title":{"rendered":"Alan Shearer insists Arne Slot has been shown who Liverpool&#8217;s top man is amid selection dilemma"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike both joined Liverpool in the summer for huge transfer fees and have been competing to be the number one striker at Anfield<\/p>\n<p>08:45, 24 Oct 2025Updated 08:45, 24 Oct 2025<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_JS385257993.jpg\" alt=\"Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are both competing for the central striker position at Liverpool.\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are both competing for the central striker position at Liverpool.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Former Newcastle United striker believes Hugo Ekitike has already done enough to show he can be Liverpool&#8217;s main striker despite<a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/alexander-isak\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\"> Alexander Isak<\/a> also arriving at the club this summer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/liverpool-fc\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">The Reds <\/a>spent a reported \u00a379million on the French forward to sign him from Eintracht Frankfurt, and he&#8217;s hit the ground running, scoring six goals in 12 appearances in all competitions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Given Newcastle&#8217;s stubborn refusal to sell Isak, Ekitike looked as though he was going to be Liverpool&#8217;s main man up front. However, when the two clubs eventually struck a deal, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/arne-slot\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Arne Slot&#8217;s<\/a> side jumped at the opportunity to sign one of the Premier League&#8217;s most feared forwards.<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/sport\/football\/football-news\/liverpool-mohamed-salah-michael-owen-32740242\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32740242\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michael Owen claims two players have changed Mohamed Salah at Liverpool<\/a>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/sport\/football\/football-news\/gary-lineker-alexander-isak-liverpool-32740119\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32740119\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gary Lineker raised Alexander Isak concern before Liverpool transfer as problem resurfaces<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Nevertheless, Isak has not hit the ground running with the Reds since his move to <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/anfield\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Anfield<\/a>, scoring just once in the Carabao Cup against Championship side Southampton.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">The Swedish striker didn&#8217;t have a pre-season with the Magpies and Slot had to manage his return to full fitness while balancing the need to pick up points.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: &#8220;I think that Hugo Ekitike has already done enough to become Liverpool&#8217;s number one striker for me, forget the price tags and everything else.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">&#8220;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&#8217;t really involved in the game up until the goal.<\/p>\n<p>Liverpool sale knocks up to 60% off kits and merch<\/p>\n<p>This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/affiliates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more<\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1761213036_4_0_Untitledjpeg.jpg\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Various<\/p>\n<p>Fanatics<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"AffiliateContent_content-buy-btn__xWiVO buy-btn\" aria-label=\"Buy button\" href=\"https:\/\/fanatics.93n6tx.net\/c\/344386\/586570\/9663?subId1=Regionals-football.london&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanatics.co.uk%2Fen%2Fpremier-league%2Fliverpool%2Fo-76979351%2Bt-47645574%2Bz-84-1546382747\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\">Shop the sale here<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Fanatics has slashed the price of Liverpool kits and merch with up to 60% off select items.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">&#8220;Even the commentators said at the time that he hadn&#8217;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 &#8211; he&#8217;s got every right to think he should be starting on a regular basis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">&#8220;I know footballs changed and I know it&#8217;s very difficult to start every game in <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/barclays-premier-league\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Premier League<\/a>, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/uefa-champions-league\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Champions League<\/a>, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/fa-cup\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">FA Cup<\/a> and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/football-league-cup\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">League Cup<\/a>. But he&#8217;s got every chance to think that he&#8217;s done enough to stay in the team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_GettyImages-2242454248.jpg\" alt=\"Hugo Ekitike gestures during the Champions League match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool.\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike impressed against Eintracht Frankfurt.(Image: Harry Langer\/DeFodi Images\/DeFodi via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">For the latest news and breaking news, visit <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/liverpool-fc\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/liverpool-fc<\/a>. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Follow us on <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/twitter\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a> <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">@\u200cLivEchoLFC<\/strong> &#8211; the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account &#8211; for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">We&#8217;re also on <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/facebook\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a>\/LiverpoolEchoLFC &#8211; your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Listen to our podcasts by searching for &#8216;Blood Red&#8217; wherever you get your podcasts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo&#8217;s free daily and weekly newsletters on <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/liverpool-fc\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Liverpool FC<\/a> <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/newsletter-preference-centre\/\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike both joined Liverpool in the summer for huge transfer fees and have been&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":524213,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8815],"tags":[9261,1121,748,393,4884,5759,179,763,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-524212","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-liverpool","8":"tag-alexander-isak","9":"tag-arne-slot","10":"tag-britain","11":"tag-england","12":"tag-great-britain","13":"tag-hugo-ekitike","14":"tag-liverpool","15":"tag-liverpool-fc","16":"tag-uk","17":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115428069968339524","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524212","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=524212"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524212\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/524213"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=524212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=524212"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=524212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}