Overview
- Hugo Ekitike struck off the bench for France against Ukraine and drew praise from Didier Deschamps, though French media judged his start versus Azerbaijan less convincing despite strong work-rate.
- Alexander Isak has just one Liverpool goal and is being eased back after a groin issue and a disrupted pre-season, with recent substitute minutes for Sweden viewed as a step toward full sharpness.
- Arne Slot has a ready-made template after briefly using a two-striker look in October’s 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt, when Isak and Ekitike started together before Isak’s injury ended the trial early.
- Former France defender Frank Leboeuf argues Ekitike should currently be preferred to Isak, underscoring a selection dilemma intensified by Liverpool’s £204m outlay on the two forwards.
- Ex-striker Dwight Yorke advises Isak to stay high as a traditional No. 9 as a simple adjustment to unlock his Liverpool form, while talks with Egypt could bring an earlier AFCON release for Salah.