Former Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden says Arne Slot's status as a Premier League champion should afford him the time to turn things around at Anfield

Former Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden says Arne Slot's status as a Premier League champion should afford him the time to turn things around at Anfield

Big money signings always come with big scrutiny, especially at a club that has just won the Premier League under a new manager. Arne Slot’s debut title season raised standards across the squad, and any player arriving for £125m was never going to be judged gently. That is the backdrop to the growing conversation around Alexander Isak, a conversation sharpened by comments from Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Fan Focus podcast.

Since his deadline day arrival, Isak’s return of two goals and one assist across all competitions tells its own story. Fitness issues have disrupted rhythm, while Liverpool’s attacking structure has evolved rapidly around him. That combination has created uncertainty, and in a title winning side, uncertainty rarely lasts long.

Dave Davis on selection and current pecking order

Dave Davis was direct in his assessment of where Isak stands right now. As he put it, “In Liverpool’s strongest lineup right now, I don’t care what anyone says, Alexander Isak isn’t there.” That line cuts to the core of the issue. Liverpool are no longer searching for a functioning system, they have one, and selection is ruthless.

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Davis went further by underlining who has seized the opportunity instead. “Hugo Ekitike has to be the first attacking name on the teamsheet.” The contrast between the two forwards is stark. Ekitike, signed for £69m, already has ten goals across all competitions. He looks sharp, physically ready, and tactically aligned with Slot’s demands. In elite football, form quickly becomes currency.

Fit within Slot’s attacking structure

There is nuance here, and Davis acknowledged it. “We haven’t been playing to Isak’s strengths but his performances haven’t been great.” Slot’s Liverpool relies on relentless tempo, aggressive pressing, and explosive transitions. That demands sharp movement and physical readiness, especially from the central striker.

One moment in the 2-0 win over Brighton summed it up memorably. “There’s one moment on Saturday where Liverpool are on the break and he is overtook by Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk!” It was an image that travelled fast among supporters, not because of mockery, but because it highlighted a deeper concern around sharpness and confidence.

Pressure, AFCON and minutes ahead

Importantly, the criticism has not been framed as personal. “This isn’t about banging on Alexander Isak, but it’s about objectively saying that we spent £125m on a striker that isn’t doing the business and isn’t fit.” Objectivity matters, especially when context looms large.

That context includes Mohamed Salah heading off to AFCON. As Davis noted, “We need him now more than ever with Mohamed Salah heading off to AFCON.” Opportunities will come, partly because of squad needs, and partly because Slot has limited alternatives. “We know that Arne Slot doesn’t fancy Federico Chiesa, so Isak is going to get minutes and he needs to perform because there is a few red flags creeping in now.”

For Isak, the next stretch feels defining. Liverpool are stable, successful, and demanding. That leaves little room for grace periods. The quality is there, but at a club moving this fast, potential must quickly turn into impact.

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Mohamed Salah returned to the Liverpool squad for the 2-0 victory over Brighton after being dropped for the game against Inter Milan following his outspoken interview

Mohamed Salah returned to the Liverpool squad for the 2-0 victory over Brighton after being dropped for the game against Inter Milan following his outspoken interview

Liverpool’s title winning debut season under Arne Slot has already produced plenty of talking points, yet the narrative around the forward line continues to evolve. Much of the summer focus centred on the record breaking £125m arrival of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, a signing that naturally dominated headlines. Quietly, though, Hugo Ekitike has begun carving out his own importance within Slot’s squad, delivering early evidence that Liverpool’s attacking depth may be one of their defining strengths this season.

Early impact despite crowded headlines

Ekitike’s £69m move from Eintracht Frankfurt arrived with intrigue rather than fanfare. Overshadowed by Isak’s deadline day drama, the Frenchman initially operated without the weight of expectation that often accompanies big money transfers. That has worked to Liverpool’s advantage.

Across all competitions, Ekitike has already scored ten goals, seven of them in the Premier League. Those numbers alone place him firmly in the conversation as one of the league’s most efficient new attackers. More telling, however, is the timing of his goals. Since being restored to the starting eleven, he has struck twice against Leeds United and twice against Brighton, delivering tangible returns at moments when Liverpool needed cutting edge rather than control.

X: @LFC Finishing and link play shaping Slot’s system

Slot’s Liverpool demands fluidity from its forwards. Pressing, movement between the lines and intelligent combination play are non negotiable. Ekitike’s adaptation to those demands has been swift.

Speaking on Anfield Index’s Fan Focus podcast, Dave Davis captured the mood around the forward’s early contribution, saying, “Liverpool have got a really special talent on their hands.” That assessment goes beyond goals alone. Davis added, “He’s a great finisher but also he’s so good at linking the play.” In a side built around positional rotation and midfield runners, that ability to knit attacks together matters as much as finishing chances.

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The Frenchman’s Bundesliga background has translated well, with his movement stretching defences and creating space for Isak, Mohamed Salah and the advancing midfielders. Davis reinforced that wider view, noting, “He has got everything and he’s showing it already despite just arriving from the Bundesliga.”

Rotation, momentum and long term questions

Liverpool’s schedule across domestic and European competitions will demand rotation, and Ekitike’s form gives Slot genuine options rather than forced compromises. He does not need to start every match to influence outcomes, but his recent run suggests he may be difficult to leave out.

There remains a sense of measured optimism rather than hype. As Davis cautioned, “We will see how the season unfolds for him.” That feels appropriate. Early season numbers are encouraging, yet sustainability across a long campaign will define how Ekitike’s role is ultimately judged.

For now, Liverpool look well stocked. Isak provides the headline power, Salah the enduring excellence, while Ekitike offers balance, movement and goals. In a title defending side shaped quickly by a new manager, that blend could prove decisive as the season deepens.

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Liverpool’s forward planning continues to attract attention, with Give Me Sport reporting fresh insight into the club’s admiration for Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo. The update, shared via Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive newsletter, suggests this is not a passing glance but a developing situation as the January window approaches. Liverpool, crowned Premier League champions under Arne Slot last season, are again positioning themselves assertively in the market.

Semenyo’s name now sits alongside several elite level forwards being tracked across Europe. According to Give Me Sport, Liverpool are “believed to be among a host of clubs eyeing a move for the Ghanaian forward when the market reopens next month”, a detail that reflects both the player’s rise and the competitive landscape around his signature.

Semenyo Profile and Rising Market Value

Romano underlined the scale of interest by noting that there is “Genuine interest but there are more clubs also keen. It’s going to be a race also with more sides, depending on what the player wants to do.” That sense of urgency is fuelled by a reported £65m release clause, a figure that allows suitors to bypass lengthy negotiations with Bournemouth.

On the pitch, Semenyo’s output strengthens his appeal. Six goals and three assists in 14 league appearances highlight a forward entering his prime, while earlier in the campaign he was described as the “best player in the Premier League”. Comparisons to being “close to peak Sadio Mane” only amplify the intrigue for Liverpool supporters who remember the impact of a relentless wide forward at Anfield.

Photo: IMAGO

There has been a dip in form since November, both individually and collectively, with Bournemouth taking just two points from their last six matches. Still, context matters. As Give Me Sport outlines, Bournemouth have already sanctioned major sales, raising £147m from the departures of Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen. Semenyo would be another significant asset moved at peak value.

Competitive Landscape Ahead of January

Liverpool’s interest must be viewed through a wider league lens. A release clause invites competition, and Romano anticipates a multi club race shaped by player preference. From Liverpool’s perspective, the profile fits. Athletic, direct, tactically flexible, Semenyo aligns with Slot’s demand for intensity and vertical threat.

This is not a short term fix narrative. Liverpool’s recruitment has increasingly balanced immediate contribution with long term value, a model that helped deliver the title in Slot’s debut season. Semenyo, contracted until 2030, fits that strategic window comfortably.

Slot Momentum and Squad Context

The report also places this transfer talk against Liverpool’s recent results. Back to back wins over Inter Milan and Brighton have steadied momentum, with a 2-0 victory at the weekend lifting confidence. Mohamed Salah’s return and assist before his departure for the Africa Cup of Nations adds further context to the need for attacking depth during January.

As one line from the report implies, this is about readiness rather than reaction. Liverpool are alert, informed, and prepared to act.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This report feels both exciting and reassuring. Semenyo is not being discussed as a panic buy or a short term cover option, but as a forward who could genuinely elevate the squad. The comparison to Sadio Mane resonates deeply, not because anyone expects a carbon copy, but because of the shared traits of power, drive and fearlessness.

Arne Slot has already shown he can refresh Liverpool without diluting their identity. Winning the Premier League title in his first season raised expectations, but it also bought trust. If Slot and the recruitment team believe Semenyo can thrive within this system, supporters are likely to back that judgement.

There is also realism here. £65m is significant, especially for a player with limited Champions League exposure. Yet modern markets reward decisiveness, and Liverpool have often been strongest when moving before a player becomes unattainable.

The possible absence of Salah during AFCON sharpens the logic further. Depth, versatility and durability are essential for another title push. Semenyo feels like a move that supports both the present and the future, which is exactly where Liverpool should be operating.

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Mohamed Salah has been sent a clear message after returning to the Liverpool squad for the win over Brighton at the weekend

Mohamed Salah has been sent a clear message after returning to the Liverpool squad for the win over Brighton at the weekend

Marc Guehi will be out of contract at the end of the season and available on a free transfer after the collapse of a move to Liverpool last summer

Marc Guehi will be out of contract at the end of the season and available on a free transfer after the collapse of a move to Liverpool last summer

Trent Alexander-Arnold has sent a message to Mohamed Salah as the Liverpool star departs for the Africa Cup of Nations

Trent Alexander-Arnold has sent a message to Mohamed Salah as the Liverpool star departs for the Africa Cup of Nations

Jeremie Frimpong is set to make his comeback from a lengthy hamstring injury, and the Liverpool right-back’s return to availability could be perfectly timed.

Frimpong has been absent since suffering his second hamstring injury of the season in the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22.

The Netherlands international has therefore missed almost two months of action, with Saturday’s 2-0 victory at home to Brighton the 12th game he had sat out.

But speaking after that win at Anfield, Arne Slot revealed his No. 30 would be back in training in the buildup to Liverpool’s trip to Tottenham.

That could set Frimpong up for a key role heading into 2026 as Slot experiments with his system – and particularly with Mohamed Salah now departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Liverpool’s new 4-4-2: Frimpong as bombing right-back

Salah’s time away with Egypt will see him miss at least three games for Liverpool and as many as eight, while there remain doubts whether the No. 11 will even return amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

With the 33-year-old already having been left out of the starting lineup for the last five games – including a brief exile for his public criticism of Slot – there have been signs of the head coach’s plans without him.

Most notably that has come with a shift to a 4-4-2 setup, including a diamond midfield and, for only the second time against Inter Milan, both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak up front.

It is a fluid system, not least among the four midfielders who can interchange duties throughout, but it is also naturally a narrow setup.

That puts a heavy emphasis on the full-backs to provide width – which could be where Frimpong comes in upon his return.

The only other time Slot trialled Ekitike and Isak as a strike partnership was that thrashing of Frankfurt in the Champions League, and his comments before kickoff highlighted his expectations around Frimpong’s role.

“We are hoping and expecting Jeremie Frimpong to create something for these two from the right side and Cody Gakpo trying to do the same off the left,” he told TNT Sports, “with Florian Wirtz‘s creativity in and around our two No. 9s.”

That idea was quickly aborted with Frimpong forced off early on and Isak also making way at half-time, but the Dutch wing-back was set to be given the freedom of the right flank – five of his six touches were in the final third.

Slot clearly has considerable faith in his ability to cover the length of the pitch while contributing both in defence and, most tellingly, attack.

And with Conor Bradley also able to operate in a similar setup, having both him and Frimpong available – and both Salah and the injured Gakpo out – it would be no surprise if this system prevails with a rotation of right-backs.

4-2-3-1: A direct replacement for Salah – and Szoboszlai

When Liverpool opted to trigger the £29.5 million release clause in Frimpong’s contract at Bayer Leverkusen, there was a clear appreciation of his versatility.

Though concerns over his defensive output were quickly downplayed, it is evident that his role at Leverkusen – particularly for Xabi Alonso – was predominantly as an attacker.

Liverpool knew heading into this season that they would lose Salah to AFCON for a crucial period and there was no established backup given Slot prefers Federico Chiesa as a striker.

The plan was, therefore, to trial Frimpong as a replacement for Salah on the right wing – and no doubt this would have happened during the Egyptian’s recent stint out of the side had he been available.

Slot has, of course, already started his countryman on the right of his attack on one occasion this season: in the clash with Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Unfortunately it ended in a 1-0 defeat, but though not wholly convincing there were signs Liverpool could benefit from Frimpong’s pace in behind in that role, which was also the case in a cameo on the wing against Burnley that saw him the decisive penalty.

“Jeremie played a lot of times as a wing-back, right winger, at Leverkusen. He played there in pre-season for us,” Slot told reporters after the loss to Galatasaray.

“He’s one of the players who can replace Mo in that position. I don’t see many others that can play in that position as their favourite.

“I think Jeremie, it’s one of his favourite positions to play. He plays there for the national team always. So he’s a player that can play there.”

The notion that right wing is one of Frimpong’s favourite positions is crucial as, in Salah’s absence, Slot has often turned to Dominik Szoboszlai out wide.

Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s most valuable player this season, not only in his level of performance or his availability, but in that he has been able to maintain his form while playing in a variety of positions.

But it is obvious that the Hungary captain is most comfortable in midfield; and in any of Slot’s 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formations, that is where he is most effective.

Why Frimpong should not be underrated

Given there are doubts over Szoboszlai’s fitness ahead of the trip to Tottenham due to an ankle issue, it could make Frimpong’s impending return all the more important.

Clearly, it would be wrong to pin all hopes on a player who should be eased back in after a long spell on the sidelines – particularly after a recurring injury – but Liverpool cannot ignore how big an asset he can be.

In many ways, the circumstances around Frimpong’s first half-season at Anfield have undervalued exactly how much he can offer.

Despite a rough start – with only nine appearances, 403 minutes on the pitch and a fortunate debut goal in the Community Shield – there is too much evidence to show that he can be an elite-level option on the right flank for Liverpool.

That his comeback is timed with Salah’s AFCON duty, Gakpo’s injury, worries over Szoboszlai, Wirtz’s growing influence and Slot’s tactical experiments could make him very useful in the weeks to come.

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Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to travel to Saudi Arabia before joining Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations – but there are no claims this is linked to a move from Liverpool.

Salah ‘to travel to Saudi’ before AFCON

After coming off the bench for his first appearance since that much-publicised criticism of Arne Slot and Liverpool, Salah has now left Merseyside.

He will now link up with the Egypt squad for AFCON, which begins with their Group B opener against Zimbabwe on December 22.

However, broadcaster Al-Riyadiya – via winwin – has claimed that before Salah travels to Morocco for the tournament, he will stop off in Saudi Arabia.

This could set off alarm bells among Liverpool fans given the known interest from Al-Hilal, Al-Qadsiah and Neom SC, but there is no suggestion his visit to the Middle East is tied to any transfer.

Instead, Salah is expected to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, as well as commercial engagements with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.

Slot has already insisted the plan is for Salah to rejoin his Liverpool squad after AFCON, with “no issue to resolve.”

Today’s Liverpool FC News: Konate off for €15m?!

• Ibrahima Konate has been dubiously linked with a move to Inter Milan, with L’Interista claiming he could do so for as little as €15 million (£13.2m) – we’re not having that

• Dominik Szoboszlai appears to have avoided a serious ankle injury, with reports in Hungary indicating that “initial tests” came back positive and a decision will be made for Saturday’s clash with Tottenham

• Curtis Jones is well aware of the criticism of how often he slows play down, but he simply says: “I don’t want to be in a rush”

• Jordan Henderson scored his first Premier League goal in 1,475 days as Brentford drew 1-1 with Leeds – and dedicated it to Diogo Jota

More from This Is Anfield

With Joe Gomez expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable after injuring his hamstring against Brighton, Jack Lusby believes Liverpool now must sign a centre-back in January:

“Liverpool will avoid any snap decisions when it comes to signings, particularly as the circumstances aren’t as dire as those that prompted the arrivals of Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak in 2021.

“But if the right deal presents itself, they can hardly afford to ignore it, as even with Slot’s first-choice partnership currently fit it is a situation which is precariously balanced.

“With Konate yet to commit to an extension to a deal which expires on July 1 and Gomez joining Leoni and Endo on the injury list, a centre-back signing must be a priority for January.”

READ: Liverpool’s biggest January transfer need laid bare by Joe Gomez injury

Elsewhere in the football world today

• Brendan Rodgers is finalising a deal to become head coach of Saudi side Al-Qadsiah – ironically, one of the clubs credited with an interest in Salah… (The Athletic)

• Fractures are growing around Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who has refused to elaborate on his claim over the “worst 48 hours” of his reign last week (BBC Sport)

• Ruben Amorim seems happy to allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave Man United in January, encouraging the midfielder to speak with him over his desire for a loan (Sky Sports)

Liverpool FC: On this day

On this day in 1990 – 35 years ago! – Steve McManaman made his debut for Liverpool.

McManaman was just 18 when he replaced the injured Peter Beardsley for the final 10 minutes of a routine 2-0 win over Sheffield United – a game that also saw goalscorer Ian Rush make his 300th appearance for the club.

He went on to play 364 times for Liverpool, scoring 66 goals and laying on 85 assists, the latter being the 10th-most of any player in the club’s history.

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Mohamed Salah took to social media after moving clear as the player with the most goals and assists for a single club in Premier League history.

Salah registered his first top-flight direct goal contribution in six weeks on Saturday, as his second-half corner was headed in by Hugo Ekitike in front of the Kop during the 2-0 win over Brighton.

That assist moved Salah onto 277 combined goals and assists in the Premier League for Liverpool – one more than Wayne Rooney managed for Manchester United.

When Salah takes to social media, he rarely writes captions on his posts – and this occasion was no different, as he simply shared an image of the leaderboard.

Steven Gerrard is the only other player to appear on the graphic – in eighth place – having registered 212 combined goals and assists in the Premier League during his Liverpool career.

Ryan Giggs occupies third place on the list, with Harry Kane in fourth, Thierry Henry in fifth, Frank Lampard in sixth and Sergio Aguero in seventh.

Salah was serenaded by Liverpool's supporters following the final whistle against Brighton on Saturday, and he stayed out on the field for longer than any of his teammates as he applauded the thousands of supporters who had stayed behind at Anfield to sing his name.

Seven days prior to the Brighton game it seemed as though Salah might have played his last game for Liverpool after stopping for an ill-advised chat with journalists in the Elland Road mixed zone.

However, after being left out of the traveling squad for last week's win over Inter Milan in the Champions League, he was back in the squad against Brighton and produced one of his better performances of the season.

Salah will now link up with his Egypt teammates ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which will see him miss the remainder of Liverpool's games in 2025.

Considering Salah's jovial mood after the game, it seems likely that he will return to the Liverpool squad for the second half of the season rather than seek an exit after the continental tournament – there was certainly no sense that he was waving good bye to Liverpool's fans for good after the final whistle.

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The first part of John Aldridge's ECHO column assesses Hugo Ekitike after his two goals helped Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 at Anfield

The first part of John Aldridge's ECHO column assesses Hugo Ekitike after his two goals helped Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 at Anfield

Mohamed Salah's words may have hit the headlines over the past week, but Liverpool will always be about more than just one player writes Andy Dunn

Mohamed Salah's words may have hit the headlines over the past week, but Liverpool will always be about more than just one player writes Andy Dunn