Sheringham tips French-Cameroonian star Ekitike to stay ahead of Swedish-Eritrean striker Isak in Liverpool pecking order

Former England striker Teddy Sheringham has claimed that Hugo Ekitike deserves to remain Liverpool’s first-choice centre-forward ahead of big-money signing Alexander Isak.

Sheringham, who won the Premier League and Champions League with Manchester United, said the French-Cameroonian forward has earned the right to lead the line after his explosive start to life at Anfield.

Ekitike, whose father is Cameroonian, has scored five goals in eight appearances since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79 million summer transfer.

By contrast, Sweden’s Alexander Isak — born to Eritrean parents — only made his Liverpool debut after his £125 million move from Newcastle on deadline day.

He opened his account in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Southampton but was replaced at half-time by Ekitike, who struck the winner.

Sheringham believes the pecking order is clear despite Isak’s reputation.

“Hugo Ekitike should be picked to lead Liverpool’s front line ahead of Alexander Isak,” he told Coin Poker. “Ekitike has settled in really well to the team and has been brilliant in the opening fixtures of the season. As good as Isak is, I don’t think it’s fair to Ekitike to have a new signing slot straight in to the starting line-up ahead of him.”

Ekitike will, however, miss Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace through suspension after receiving a second yellow card for his shirt-off celebration.

That likely hands Isak the chance to spearhead Arne Slot’s attack at Selhurst Park as Liverpool look to maintain their perfect start in all competitions this season.