Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Swedish striker Alexander Isak’s frustrating run in front of goal continued on Wednesday night as he was replaced at halftime during Liverpool’s 5–1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. The Premier League’s record signing has now gone five matches without scoring since netting on his debut in late September.
Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in a £125 million ($170 million) deal over the summer, was taken off after 45 minutes with the Reds leading 3–1. Manager Arne Slot’s decision appeared precautionary, though it was unclear whether the substitution was tactical or fitness-related. The Swede had registered two shots, 14 touches, and six completed passes before being replaced by Federico Chiesa.
Chiesa’s introduction ahead of Mohamed Salah reflected Slot’s growing trust in the in-form Italian forward, who has been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers this season. The Italian winger, who scored against Crystal Palace and provided key assists in recent fixtures, injected pace and creativity down the flank after coming on.
Salah eventually entered the match in the 72nd minute, replacing Cody Gakpo with Liverpool already cruising at 5–1. The Egyptian international has endured a quieter start to the season by his own high standards, recording six goal involvements in 12 matches so far. Last season, he equaled Alan Shearer’s record of 47 combined goals and assists in a Premier League campaign.
Isak’s early substitution adds to a challenging start to life at Anfield. Having missed much of Newcastle’s preseason through injury, he has been working his way back to full match fitness. Slot has alternated between Isak and French striker Hugo Ekitike up front since September, though Wednesday marked the first time the pair started together. Ekitike made an immediate impact, scoring a brilliant first-half goal after latching onto an incisive Andy Robertson through ball and outrunning former teammate Arthur Theate.
Despite Isak’s struggles, Liverpool’s attack appeared rejuvenated in Frankfurt, with five different players contributing to the scoreline. The win keeps the Reds firmly in contention in Europe and may offer Slot valuable clues ahead of their weekend Premier League clash at Brentford.
Isak, who has shown flashes of his talent but limited end product, is expected to remain in the mix for that match as Liverpool currently third behind Arsenal and Manchester City seek to maintain momentum.
For now, though, the focus will be on whether Slot’s halftime decision signals a routine rotation or an early warning that Liverpool’s record signing is under pressure to deliver.
