The competition for the No.9 position at Liverpool is heating up, particularly with the emergence of Cody Gakpo as a potential rival to Alexander Isak. Liverpool's success this season may heavily depend on Isak rediscovering the form that made him one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League during his tenure at Newcastle United.
At Newcastle, Isak showcased his striking prowess by scoring over 20 goals in consecutive seasons, often finding success against top defenders like Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba. However, since joining Liverpool, he has struggled to replicate that form. His debut season was marred by injuries, and his performances in the early stages of the current campaign have not yet made a significant impact. Despite scoring in a recent match against Nottingham Forest, where he tapped in a cross from Cody Gakpo, Isak's overall contributions have been limited.
Although Isak currently holds the highest Non-Penalty Expected Goals total in the Premier League, much of that statistic can be misleading. A notable portion of his expected goals came from a double chance against Newcastle, where the ball ricocheted off his head, inflating his numbers without reflecting true scoring opportunities. Outside of his goal against Nottingham, Isak has been largely absent from games, raising concerns for Liverpool, especially with Hugo Ekitike sidelined until the New Year due to an Achilles injury.
With Ekitike out of the picture, Liverpool finds itself lacking a senior center-forward. While Bradley Barcola has the capability to fill that role, his primary position has not been as a traditional striker. This situation places additional pressure on Isak to step up, but recent developments suggest that Gakpo may be ready to challenge for that role.
Gakpo, who joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven, has primarily played on the left flank but has previously been deployed as a false nine under manager Jurgen Klopp. His versatility has allowed him to adapt, but he has recently returned to his preferred position on the left. The summer transfer window saw Gakpo linked with a move away from Anfield, with Manchester City reportedly making an £80 million offer and Tottenham Hotspur agreeing to terms with the player.
Reports indicate that Gakpo was open to a transfer to Spurs, especially after receiving assurances from manager Roberto De Zerbi that he would play as a center-forward. If Gakpo sees himself as a No.9, it could significantly alter the dynamics of Liverpool's attacking setup until Ekitike's return. Gakpo has demonstrated his ability to handle the physicality of the Premier League and has already shown himself to be both a goal scorer and a playmaker this season.
His successful link-up play with Florian Wirtz contrasts with Isak's struggles in that department. Additionally, with the arrival of Barcola, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola now has various options in the wide areas, allowing him to utilize Gakpo in a central role if desired. As the season progresses, the competition for the No.9 position at Liverpool will be closely watched, with both Isak and Gakpo vying for the chance to lead the line.
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