With Hugo Ekitike's proven potential and desire to become a mainstay of the team, it can be argued that Alexander Isak's injury is not as serious as initial concerns.
Isak's absence is clearly a loss, but not to the point of disaster, as long as Ekitike maintains a stable physical condition and form. The core problem is not the "losing of Isak", but the way coach Arne Slot organizes the team around Ekitike to optimize the French striker's scoring performance.
In recent weeks, Slot has experimented with several notable tactical options. The use of Dominik Szoboszlai on the right wing in the diamond diagram, while reducing the aperture, helps Florian Wirtz to be placed in the center of the attack system. This adjustment has brought about clear results as Wirtz has more space to organize and connect attacks.
At the same time, Liverpool also became more solid in terms of controlling the game when giving priority to one more midfielder instead of two strikers. Whether it comes from personnel requirements or tactical intentions, the improvement in ball possession andipde control in the victories over Brighton and Inter Milan is a positive signal for Slot.
However, with a tight schedule on many fronts, Liverpool are forced to have options B and C. Slot seems to have not really trust Federico Chiesa in the starting lineup, although this player often makes an impact every time he plays. Putting all the scoring burden on Ekitike's shoulders in three different arenas is unsustainable, and that means other positions must share the responsibility of attacking.
Another option is Jeremie Frimpong, a player with high speed and creativity on the right wing. Despite his injury problems, Frimpong has shined at Bayer Leverkusen as an attacking full-back. And Slot certainly knows that he is not the type of defender who just has to defend.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch is also likely to be pushed up to play higher. In the early stages of the season, when Liverpool started with 5 consecutive wins, Gravenberch was one of the most outstanding players. He works freely between levels and often violates the penalty area without being paired.
Currently, the heat map shows that Gravenberch is having to cover more space and retreat deeper, significantly reducing his influence in the area of the opponent's third of the field. If the link between Gravenberch and Wirtz is strengthened, The Kop can completely exploit more effective attack options.
Another option is Harvey Elliott, especially in the context of a failed loan deal to Aston Villa. Coach Unai Emery once affirmed that he would "find a solution" for Elliott. However, the 22-year-old's lack of playing since the start of November makes the possibility of returning to Merseyside even more reasonable. Having played for both teams this season, Elliott is also unqualified to move to the third team.
In the end, no matter which choice is made, Slot still has to make a decisive decision. Determining whether Liverpool can address Isak's absence through short-term changes to the squad, or need a longer-term solution, is a matter that needs to be closely monitored. However, exploiting the potential of the current squad is no less important than any new contract.
