A dramatic turn of events unfolded in Frankfurt as the highly anticipated Liverpool vs. Frankfurt Champions League clash took an unexpected twist. The spotlight was on Swedish striker Alexander Isak, who was surprisingly pulled at halftime, leaving many fans and analysts scratching their heads.
Isak, a Premier League record-breaking signing, has been struggling with a goal drought, and his performance against Frankfurt was no exception. With Liverpool leading 3-1 at the break, coach Arne Slot made a bold move, replacing Isak with the in-form Federico Chiesa, opting for a tactical shift over the star power of Mohamed Salah.
But here's where it gets controversial: Isak's statistics for the night were not as dismal as one might expect. He managed two shots, 14 touches, and six completed passes, winning one duel. However, his last goal remains a distant memory, dating back to his debut against Southampton in September.
The £125 million ($170 million) summer acquisition has had a challenging start at Liverpool, having to work his way back to fitness after missing most of Newcastle's summer training. Slot's rotation policy has seen Isak and fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike take turns up front, but on Wednesday, they started together for the first time.
And this is the part most people miss: Ekitike, the tall French forward, stole the show in the first half with a stunning goal, outpacing defender Arthur Theate after a brilliant through ball from Andy Robertson. Meanwhile, Isak started three of Liverpool's previous four games, all of which ended in defeat.
Despite his recent struggles, Isak is expected to be in contention for a starting spot this weekend when Liverpool travels to Brentford for a late kickoff. Liverpool currently sits third in the Premier League, trailing Arsenal and Manchester City.
Chiesa, on the other hand, has been a revelation for Liverpool this season. His impact has been felt in key moments, providing an assist against Manchester United and scoring against Crystal Palace. He also played a pivotal role in Liverpool's 2-1 League Cup victory over Southampton, setting up both goals.
As the game progressed, Mohamed Salah eventually made his way onto the pitch, replacing Cody Gakpo in the 72nd minute with Liverpool already leading 5-1. Salah, who equaled Alan Shearer's record of 47 goals and assists in a single Premier League campaign last season, has managed six goal involvements in 12 games this year. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has even suggested that Salah's starting status might be up for debate.
So, what do you think? Is Isak's recent form a cause for concern, or is it simply a blip in an otherwise promising career? And should Salah's starting role be questioned? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
