Victor Osimhen's Rocket Shot Spurs Liverpool Red Alert!

As Alexander Isak proves, Liverpool can sign strikers who have troubled them. Monday marked the first anniversary of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final win over Arne Slot’s side , with the ultimately decisive goal delivered by Isak. In the subsequent 12 months, Isak has scored more goals for Newcastle than Liverpool – four compared to three – despite spending the majority of the time on the books at Anfield and costing the defending champions £125m.

It remains the case that the injured Isak has only scored one Champions League goal; for Newcastle against Paris Saint-Germain. It is far from Liverpool’s only priority on Wednesday night at Anfield, but they will aim to extend their European run this season for long enough for Isak to feature in it again. To do that, they may have to finally subdue an increasingly familiar nemesis.

Part of Liverpool’s logic for recruiting Isak last summer was that he was the best striker available. An alternative interpretation was that another who commanded a record-breaking fee was also available: Victor Osimhen cost Galatasaray €75m (£65m) , the biggest fee ever paid by a Turkish club. Galatasaray go to Anfield with two victories over Liverpool to their name already this season: one with a goal scored by Osimhen, in September, the other with one assisted by him, last week.

The Nigerian has faced Liverpool four times and scored once; but that number scarcely shows his whole impact. It may be more accurate to say Osimhen has ended on the winning side in 75 percent of those games, a relative rarity against Liverpool. Victor Osimhen has scored and assisted in his two games against Liverpool this term (Getty) And perhaps his finest display only lasted 40 minutes and ended without him on the scoresheet.