The debate about Liverpool’s big summer spending has faded away — the real issue now is that the club aren’t doing enough to back their centre-forward.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak over the summer has been largely forgotten, mainly because of the striker’s injury setbacks this season.

While the club’s spending spree drew plenty of attention, less has been said about the attacking options that left Anfield. Luis Diaz was instrumental in Liverpool’s pressing game and has arguably taken his performances to another level since joining Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

Darwin Nunez had a more inconsistent spell at Anfield. His physicality often troubled defenders, although his rawness and unpredictability meant he could be both a strength and a weakness. The tragic passing of Diogo Jota hit the dressing room deeply — his pace and finishing have been sorely missed. Mohamed Salah’s dip in form this season has also contributed to the team’s struggle to find consistent goal-scoring solutions.

Hugo Ekitike has adjusted faster than any of the club’s new signings, scoring three goals in his first five appearances. With 11 Premier League goals this season, he is on course to become Liverpool’s first out-and-out striker to finish as top scorer since Luis Suarez in the 2013/14 campaign.

The Frenchman’s rise from being a Paris Saint-Germain reserve to becoming a fan favourite at Merseyside has been remarkable. During his time with Eintracht Frankfurt last season, his pace and dribbling ability made him central to their counter-attacks. He displayed calmness in front of goal with 15 goals from 31 starts, and his blend of physicality and mobility made him a sought-after talent.

However, in the clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night, Liverpool’s lack of creativity forced Ekitike to drop deeper during the first half.

Just 15 minutes in, he carried the ball from halfway to the penalty area, beating several defenders before setting up Jeremie Frimpong for a chance. Without Isak and Florian Wirtz, Ekitike isn’t receiving enough service and is being forced to create chances on his own.

On the hour mark, he isolated Yerson Mosquera on the counter-attack, and his cross almost led to an own goal. Later in the game, his deft first touch took him past Hugo Bueno, but as he drove toward goal, the Spaniard hauled him down unfairly.

Ekitike is not Liverpool’s only source of goals, but he needs more creative support from his teammates. The team cannot depend as heavily on set-pieces as Arsenal do.

Salah and Cody Gakpo often look sluggish and fail to beat their markers. Although the Egyptian forward netted the equaliser at Molineux, it was his first goal since November. The midfield, meanwhile, is struggling to move the ball quickly or connect effectively with their striker.

Frimpong’s direct running could help ease some of the burden once he settles into the side. During the first half, Ekitike was even seen giving him tactical guidance before the manager intervened.

After the game, manager Arne Slot admitted, “What hasn’t changed over the last five, six, or seven matches is that we find it very difficult to score from open play despite the chances we create. Not as many as I’d wish considering the possession we have, but still more than the opposition.”

Looking ahead, whether Slot remains in charge or not, it will be intriguing to see how Liverpool develop their attacking play next season and maximise the potential of both Isak and Ekitike.

If Salah leaves, one possible approach would be to play both strikers together in a diamond formation, with Florian Wirtz at the tip of the midfield. Another option could be to deploy one forward on the left while the other operates centrally, allowing them to interchange positions throughout the match.

Whatever tactical shape they choose, Ekitike has already proven he can become a Kop hero — but he needs more support from his Liverpool teammates to truly shine.