Emile Heskey Offers Arne Slot Advice On How To Start Both Isak And Ekitike

The transfer of summer 2025 is arguably that of Alexander Isak. The Swede secured a move to the Reds after rebelling against Newcastle United, sitting out of training and finally being let go for a British record fee. The talented striker is part of a trio of new additions that includes Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, who have already lined up for the Reds alongside Mohamed Salah.

That wasn’t the only saga that Liverpool were involved in, however. While they were successful in luring away Isak, they weren’t able to do that with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, whose move to Anfield collapsed on deadline day. In stark contrast to Isak, Guehi’s behaviour was different as he didn’t try to force a move.

We sat down with former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey, who discussed the moves as well as what lies in store for the Reds with Isak now sporting their shirt.

Isak transfer could have been handled better

Heskey doesn’t hide his pleasure at Isak joining Arne Slot’s side, but he does believe that the situation could have been handled better.

“I’m always going to be happy when a player of that ilk and pedigree comes to Liverpool. Of course it could have been handled differently and better. Especially as it panned out in front of our eyes in public.”

He juxtaposes that with Guehi’s behaviour and praises the Englishman for being a professional about it and emulating Wayne Rooney when he moved from Everton to Manchester United.

“ A lot of people have spoken about how dignified Guehi has been with his situation and that’s how it should be. Guehi has been fantastic. I think it’s credit to him that he has continued playing a bit like other England players have over the years when they have been linked with moves away, such as Wayne Rooney.”

Isak is worth whatever Liverpool were willing to pay for him

While there’s no question about what Liverpool gets with Isak, there have been question marks around the reported £125 million that he cost. The point of criticism is Isak’s durability, as he has missed a sizable number of games for the past few seasons.

Heskey’s take on this is that Isak is worth whatever Liverpool were willing to pay for him, which in this case happened to be £125 million.

“I think it’s worth spending that money. Look at what he’s done at Newcastle. You can’t look past him as a striker when discussing the best in the league. He gives you goals and he’s someone who on the ball offers a lot.”

“When it comes to strictly goals, of course you go to Haaland but on and off the ball you’re looking at Isak. It’s hard for me being an ex footballer looking at fees. He’s worth what the club is willing to pay.”

“I’ve seen the talk around Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney. Can you imagine what they’d be worth today? You’re talking £200m and £300m. Wayne when he went to United aged 18?”

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Isak and Ekitike can thrive in a 4-4-2

Isak’s arrival also raises the question of how Arne Slot can fit both him and Ekitike in the starting XI. The Frenchman has had a great start to life in England, scoring two and assisting one in three games.

Heskey sees both of them thriving in a 4-4-2 formation and urges Slot to give it a shot. His reasoning for it is that it will allow Isak and Ekitike to bounce off each other.

“I’m interested to see whether Liverpool play a 4-4-2. Today teams only really use it as their out of shape formation. Generally it’s obsolete. I think Isak and Ekitike can bounce off each other and offer something dynamic in the attacking third.”

Heskey also warns Liverpool that they will have to find a balance with the wealth of attacking options that they have, as they’ll also have to factor in Wirtz and Salah.

“Interestingly neither of them like to stay centrally. They tend to drift wide and all over the place. They’ll have to find that balance whilst factoring in Wirtz and Salah and Salah has to play. It’s an interesting one to see how they fit in but I think Isak and Ekitike can play in the same team. Ekitike could maybe play off the left.”

Heskey also agrees with Salah’s assessment that the attack will take some time to click. He says that Liverpool’s attack has revolved around Salah’s incredible finishing, and there will be teething pains when it comes to incorporating Isak, Ekitike and Wirtz, as they have not played together before.

“It will take time for the Liverpool attackers to gel together. Rarely do you see teams and attackers gelling right away. It takes time to get that bond and the nohow and of how each other plays and the rush they make. This has been Mo’s team for several years so it’ll be interesting to see how that dynamic unfolds.”

“Me and Michael Owen clicked right away. I played with him at U18’s for England. Straight away it clicked. From the U18’s to the U21’s, then Liverpool and the England national team. We understood what was wanted and it was amazing to play with him.”

Guehi is a big miss and there’s no guarantee that he’ll join Liverpool

While Isak’s transfer went through, Heskey was disappointed that the defending Premier League champions were unable to bring in Marc Guehi, despite giving it their all.

“Guehi will be a huge miss. He’s arguably one of the best and most composed centre backs in the league. It will be a big miss but how much more could they have pushed if Palace didn’t want to or have to sell?”

“All you can do is put more money on the table but then you’re moving outside of your scope of what is right for a player who is in his last year.”

Heskey is confident that Liverpool will sign Guehi either in January or on a free next season, but warns his old club that Manchester City or Chelsea could hijack the move.

“Come January it will be a different proposition. There’s no doubt that he wants to come to Liverpool.”

“Now there will always be the possibility of a team hijacking the move in January. Especially Chelsea and City who can gazump anyone. But Liverpool is an institution and I’m sure they’re fairly confident they can get the deal done.”

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