Hugo Ekitike Leads Liverpool's Attack Revamp

Hugo Ekitike will be crucial to Liverpool's attack under new manager Andoni Iraola. The Reds spent over $250m on elite-level players last summer, but the squad remains unbalanced.

What happened?

Andoni Iraola has a lot to consider before the start of the 2026/27 season. Liverpool's squad is talented, but it's unbalanced, with many players not fitting into the previous manager's team. The Spaniard needs to think about the overall set-up of his team, including how Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak can play together.

Why it matters for Hugo Ekitike

Hugo Ekitike flourished in his first season at Liverpool, while Isak struggled for form and fitness. That Liverpool spent so much money on two forwards who play the position in a similar way was confusing from the start. The Reds needed a new number nine, but Ekitike and Isak appeared incompatible as a pairing in the previous manager's 4-2-3-1 system.

What comes next?

It's possible Iraola could deploy Ekitike on the left wing with Isak through the middle as a centre forward. Alternatively, Liverpool could use them as a front two, although this would require the width to come from wing backs. And yet the upside of using Ekitike and Isak as a strike partnership could be huge for Liverpool, supercharging the attack now that Mohamed Salah has departed. Iraola has some issues to resolve in the transfer market, including finding a new centre back after Ibrahima Konate's exit. Andy Robertson's departure also means a new left back is required, with many supporters believing Liverpool should sign a central midfielder. This summer marks the start of something new for Liverpool, but its new manager is charged with making more of the same squad that didn’t work for the previous manager. Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak could hold the key to Iraola's success on Merseyside, with the 2026/27 season set to be a crucial one for the Reds.