Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike Urged to Follow Alexander Isak’s Example
Liverpool’s summer recruitment has been both ambitious and headline-grabbing. Under Arne Slot, fresh from guiding the club to the Premier League title in his first season, the Reds have moved decisively to strengthen ahead of their title defence. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are among the standout arrivals, yet former England goalkeeper Ben Foster has suggested that both may need to adapt physically to succeed in England’s top flight.
Physical Demands Facing Liverpool’s New Stars
Speaking on the Fozcast, Foster drew a comparison with Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. When Isak first arrived in the Premier League, Foster recalls thinking he “was a little weak and would get pushed off the ball too easily”. Over time, Isak transformed that aspect of his game, adding muscle and learning how to shield possession, becoming one of the most feared forwards in Europe.
“Sometimes I look at the physical build of players and I think Ekitike and Wirtz both look a little bit lightweight at the minute. I used to think this about Isak as well,” Foster said. “Over the last couple of years, he’s really worked hard on that side of it, and he seems to have put a bit more muscle on. He looks like he now knows how to use his body and keep players away. But just thinking about Wirtz and Ekitike, I need to see them put a little bit more muscle on before they can really hit the ground.”
Why Florian Wirtz Can Still Thrive Without Added Bulk
While Foster’s advice carries weight in the Premier League context, Wirtz is a player whose impact may not rely heavily on physicality. At Bayer Leverkusen, and now with Liverpool, his game is built on extraordinary ball-carrying ability, sharp vision and intelligent movement. He can glide past opponents with balance and close control, drawing fouls and disrupting defensive structures.
Players such as Eden Hazard and Bukayo Saka have shown that agility and quick feet can be just as effective as raw strength in England’s top division. It would not be surprising to see Wirtz among the most fouled players in the league next season, as opponents struggle to contain him without resorting to challenges.
Ekitike’s Adaptation Challenge
Hugo Ekitike, by contrast, plays in an area of the pitch where physical duels are unavoidable. Competing with Premier League centre-backs often means absorbing contact, holding up play and winning aerial battles. If Ekitike follows Isak’s blueprint, combining his technical ability with improved physical resilience, Liverpool could have a forward capable of unsettling even the league’s toughest defences.
Liverpool’s Evolving Attacking Options
Slot’s tactical system thrives on versatility in attack. With Mohamed Salah’s pace and clinical finishing, Darwin Núñez’s direct running and Cody Gakpo’s intelligence between the lines, the addition of Wirtz and Ekitike brings new layers of creativity and unpredictability. If they can meet the physical demands of the division, Liverpool’s attack could become even more formidable in the months ahead.
