Alan Shearer believes Hugo Ekitike deserves to be  Liverpool's first-choice striker ahead of big-money signing Alexander Isak. The Sweden international joined the Reds last month in a British record £130million transfer, bringing an end to the protracted summer saga that had gripped football.

Isak made his Premier League bow in the Merseyside derby just 19 days after his Anfield arrival. Seven outings later, the 26-year-old has managed just one goal, which came during a 2-1 EFL Cup victory over Championship side Southampton. Beyond his goalscoring struggles, Isak has failed to click with his teammates amid Liverpool's three-game Premier League losing run.

In contrast, fellow summer recruit Ekitike has thrived since making the switch to English football, netting six times this campaign - more than any other Liverpool player. Despite his impressive form, Ekitike has found himself on the bench for Liverpool's previous two league fixtures, with Arne Slot opting for Isak in attack.

The French striker is expected to get the nod ahead of his team-mate against Brentford on Saturday, with Isak nursing a groin problem. However, Shearer insisted Ekitike has earned the right to usurp Isak as...