Statistical Analsyis: Why Isak Makes More Sense Than Ekitike For Liverpool | OneFootball

Alexander Isak: The Safer Choice for Liverpool’s Title Push

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Proven Output in the Final Third

Alexander Isak stands out as the smarter signing for Liverpool right now. While Hugo Ekitike shows promise, he remains a longer-term project. Isak is more developed and brings immediate impact. Over the past two seasons, he has consistently scored over 20 league goals and plays effectively in the right half-space. His presence could complement Mo Salah’s role, or at worst, create some overlap in movement.

Isak’s threat value of 0.08xT edges out Ekitike’s 0.07xT. He stays involved in build-up without sacrificing his focus in and around the box. His threat zones show a clear preference for the right side of the area, creating 30% and 12% threat from the RHS and box respectively, and an additional 48% from the right channel.

His pass maps show strong links with right-sided teammates, suggesting high potential for combination play with Salah. Crucially, he also contributes aerially, scoring with his head and from set pieces, something Ekitike does not offer. That alone adds extra value to a squad that occasionally struggles on set plays.

Off-Ball Weakness Needs Work

Neither Isak nor Ekitike excels off the ball. Their pressing and interception numbers are below what you would expect from a top Liverpool forward. Event data from a recent match showed so little off-ball activity for Isak that no defensive zone could even be mapped.

This is a concern, but not a deal breaker. Off-ball effort can be coached, and Arne Slot has improved players in this area before. With a smart rotation strategy, Isak can still become an essential part of Liverpool’s attacking system while those areas are developed.

Availability Remains a Concern

Isak’s availability is improving, but still a concern. Last season he logged around 3,300 minutes, while Liverpool generally require closer to 5,000 from a forward. Although his missed matches have dropped to nine last season, those nine could still prove costly during title-defining stretches.

His situation mirrors Ibrahima Konaté’s: manageable, but you have to plan around it. With proper squad depth, Isak’s minutes can be maximised while protecting him from burnout or injury relapse.

Worth the Investment

At an estimated £120 million and £220,000 per week, Isak costs almost double what Ekitike would. But that cost brings Premier League experience, goals, aerial threat, and reliability. You avoid the performance dip often seen when transitioning from other European leagues to England.

Ideally, Liverpool would sign both, using Isak now and developing Ekitike for the future. But if it’s one or the other, Isak fits Liverpool’s immediate ambitions. With Salah, Van Dijk and Alisson still delivering, the time to strike is now. Isak helps make that push possible.