Alexander Isak straight in, no room for 18-goal star – Liverpool’s perfect XI as transfer window closes
Liverpool face competition in several positions of their squad after a sensational transfer window.
After a summer-long transfer saga, Liverpool agreed a £125million fee to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day.
The striker arrives having finished second in the race for the Premier League golden boot last season, finishing only behind Mohamed Salah.
The signing marked the second time the transfer record was broken this summer, after Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal that could reach £116m.
Liverpool wanted to sign Marc Guehi on deadline day, but a deal with Crystal Palace fell at the final hurdle after the Eagles’ move for Igor Julio collapsed.
Alexander Isak to replace Cody Gakpo in perfect XI
Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to star for Liverpool this season following his move from Valencia, but does not yet surpass Alisson in Arne Slot’s perfect starting side.
Dominik Szoboszlai has impressed massively at right-back and scored a stunning free kick against Arsenal, but Jeremie Frimpong is expected to claim the position back once he returns from injury.
Ibrahima Konate could have found his position under threat had Guehi arrived, but the Frenchman partners Virgil van Dijk at centre-back following the move’s collapse.
| Ryan Gravenberch | Vs Arsenal |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Recoveries | 9 |
| Ground duels won | 4 |
Milos Kerkez has looked strong since his move from Bournemouth, and takes the left-back role with ease.
Ryan Gravenberch continues to go from strength to strength at Liverpool, and is paired by the impressive Alexis Mac Allister in midfield.
Big-money signing Wirtz leads the midfield in Slot’s perfect team, with Reds and Premier League legend Salah appearing to the German’s right.
Cody Gakpo has started the season in promising fashion but the Dutchman is dropped for the incoming Isak, with £69m man Hugo Ekitike taking the left-sided role instead, whilst the Swede heads the attack.
Liverpool will have plenty of room for rotation
Gakpo can feel hard done by, having scored 18 goals across all competitions for Liverpool last season.
But the goal-scoring dynamism of Isak and Ekitike is likely to be too irresistible a prospect to ignore for Slot.
Liverpool will play in four competitions this season, with the average campaign now containing more games than ever.
Depth will be key, and there will be plenty of chances for rotation across the season – with Rio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa also set to play roles in the attack.
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