In a shocking twist, Alexander Isak made his unexpected debut for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid, leaving fans buzzing and sparking debate over Hugo Ekitike's role on the team.

The atmosphere at Anfield was electric during the Champions League opener, where Liverpool clinched a last-minute 3-2 victory with a stunning header from Virgil van Dijk. While the win pleased manager Arne Slot, the fact that all five of Liverpool's victories this season have come in the nail-biting final minutes raises eyebrows.

Slot's usual calm approach has morphed into a more intense mentality, and although it's effective for now, lingering concerns about player fitness loom large, especially concerning Isak.

Isak, who carries a staggering £125 million price tag, made his first start after a rocky pre-season. However, Slot made it clear that the forward is not yet ready for a full game, complicating the situation for Ekitike.

Ekitike has quickly made a name for himself, netting two goals in the Premier League since joining Liverpool this summer. However, the arrival of Isak might push him out of his preferred central position, leaving him to contend with playing on the wings.

Alan Shearer weighed in on the controversy during a segment on 'The Rest is Football,' expressing sympathy for Ekitike. He questioned whether the Frenchman would have been benched if he had known Isak's expected integration into the squad.

Shearer commented, "Ekitike has made a remarkable start this season, so it's understandable he would be disappointed not to start against Atletico. With Isak fit, he’s likely to get the nod, pushing Ekitike out of position."

As Liverpool gears up for the intense Merseyside Derby against Everton, Shearer suggests Ekitike should get the chance to shine after being benched in Europe. Given the high stakes and competitive edge of derby matches, resting Isak, who is still regaining fitness, might be a strategic move.

Ekitike has already proven he can find the back of the net, and a game of this magnitude presents an ideal opportunity for him to display his skills. Despite the unpredictability of such fixtures, with form often thrown out the window, both teams are poised for a fiercely contested showdown.

As Liverpool looks to maintain their winning streak and possibly secure another late victory, all eyes will be on how Slot manages his star-studded lineup.