Liverpool s No. 9 strike plan: Seschko, Ekitic or Joao Pedro?

Even though he was just crowned the Premier League champion, Liverpool still has limited breathing space. Slott won the club's 20th league trophy in his coaching career, and this report card is amazing. But glory gives birth to higher expectations rather than comfort. As the pre-season preparation period approaches, internal discussions at Corkby Training Base have focused on a core issue: finding the real No. 9 killer.

Slott's tactical blueprint is already clear: fast-paced, vertical impact, dynamic running and never-ending high-pressure pressing. This system has achieved great results, just ask Guardiola, but it is generally believed that the current system urgently needs an all-round striker: he can both oppress and respond, create opportunities and end attacks, and convert 1-0 into 3-0. The current lineup lacks such players, and the recruiting team is well aware of it. Although Garkepo, Luis Dias, Jota and Nunez have all performed at different levels in this position, no one can be called a top center.

According to Merseyside's reliable source, three players are on the Reds' list of key inspections: *Seshko, Ekitic and Joao Pedro. They have their own characteristics, but only one person can become Slot's forward arrow next season.

Sheshko - Vertical Deterrent

Club: RB Leipzig Age: 21 years old Dismissal fee: 70-80 million euros

Data analysis

Sheshko scored 21 goals this season (expected goals xG13.46) and sent 6 assists (expected assists xA1.80), both data exceeded the task. The performance of 47 shots in 104 shots proves that his ability to seize opportunities at critical moments is exactly what the Reds need. However, it should be noted that its xA is only in the 45% percentile of the center group, and it is slightly lacking in creativity.

The overall offensive action ranks 68% percentile, inferior to the other two candidates. As an all-round finisher, he has a balanced left and right foot with a range covering long shots and a supplemental shot in front of the goal. The non-penalty goal (NPGs) index reaches 72% percentile.

Tactical adaptability

Xieshko, who is 1.95 meters tall, is a counterattack weapon with her top air combat ability (91% percentile in the air). Its running can effectively tear the defense line and create space between the central defender and the full-back. This is the combat area that the winger group in the Slot system desires the most.

Despite Leipzig's rotational offensive strategy, Seschko still showed his cold efficiency in front of the goal with a performance above xG7.54. But its xA and creativity output are limited and may be isolated when facing intensive defense.

Red Army Value Assessment

21-year-old Xie Shikho has demonstrated oppression, tandem and stable scoring ability. With the support of the Reds' creative midfielder and winger group, their creativity shortcomings can be effectively compensated. He may not be the frontcourt commander, but he is definitely the iron hammer to break the deadlock.

Ekitic - Dual Training of Creators and Terminators

Club: Frankfurt Age: 22 years old Estimated transfer fee: about 100 million euros

Data analysis

Ekitic's performance in 22 goals in 48 games is the best in Europe (96% percentile), and its non-penalty goal rate is also outstanding (84% percentile). Its xA is as high as 92% percentile (top 8% in Europe), with both propulsion and organizational skills, and has contributed 12 assists and 64 key passes this season. The overall offensive action 94% percentile performance demonstrates its top offensive influence.

Tactical adaptability

The French striker has a rare dual cultivation attribute: he can score and create. 12 assists and 64 key passes prove that he is good at working in narrow spaces, playing the role of the organizer rather than a simple terminator. The Slot system needs a forward who can pull the defense line, attack in series, and create an advantage in the wingers. Ekitic's skill package is perfectly matched.

Although the actual goals this season are slightly lower than xG (-2.61), this is more due to the shooting selection problem than the ability flaw. Its offensive participation in the 94% percentile and xA data in the 92% percentile show the core vision of the frontcourt organization.

Red Army Value Assessment

Ekitic can inject multi-dimensional threat into the front line: retreating to midfield, attracting defense, and unlocking space. Its oppression and series properties are naturally in line with Slot's flow system. Although the price of 100 million euros is high, the data supports its investment value. He has both Firmino wisdom and stronger longitudinal impact.

João Pedro - Smart Connector

Club: Brighton Age: 23 years old Estimated transfer fee: approximately £60 million

Data analysis

Pedro has 10 goals (xG8.90) and 7 assists (xA3.09), with xA ranked 82% percentile. As a versatile terminator, his left and right foot balance is not inferior to Xie Shiko. But it is important to note that 33% of its non-penalty goals scored are overly reliant on penalties to participate in scoring.

tactical adaptability

the most technically delicate being among the three, good at progressive organization and outstanding spatial understanding. 91% of the pass percentage in the penalty area, 33 key passes and 92% of the reception percentage confirm their running and tandem ability. 84% of offensive action percentiles show their presence in the frontcourt. Its traits are perfectly matched with Brighton (and Slott)'s systematic play.

Red Army Value Assessment

Pedro provides clarity and control. He may not dominate the scorer list, but he can weave the offensive end into a net. In the game where the Reds are in control, he can play an axial role: retreating and responding, pulling defense, and triggering a cluster offensive on the wing. Although the upper limit is not as good as the first two, its tactical IQ is seamlessly connected with Slott's concept.

Ultimate showdown: 3D comparison

-Seshko: Pure scorer + empty bully

-Ekitic: High participation dual-revision type

-Pedro: System connecter

cost-effectiveness consideration

Xeshko's termination fee is 70 million pounds (it may rise to 80 million this summer), and Leipzig once refused to buy it for Arsenal and others in the winter window. He is regarded as a long-term investment until 2029, with outstanding air dominance but slightly inferior overall output.

João Pedro is regarded by the Reds as a key target this summer, with Brighton priced at about 60 million pounds. Its stress resistance and multifaceted nature are adapted to the Red Army's evolutionary offensive system.

Ekitic was highly recognized by the Red Army's data team, and Frankfurt insisted on asking for a price of 100 million euros. The performance of leading the team to the Champions League with 15 goals and 8 assists makes him one of the hottest new stars in Europe.

Final ruling: Who is the optimal solution?

Although the three have their own characteristics, Ekitic seems to be the last puzzle that the Slot system is missing. He is not only a scorer or technical stream, but also an offensive commander who can increase the team's ceiling.

Under Slot's system of emphasis on vertical shock, a simple terminator is far from enough. You need an all-around forward who can tand out of the chaos, oppress like a midfielder, while retaining the threat of 20-ball shooter. Ekitic easily meets these conditions, and his movement, awareness and touching the ball demonstrates a deep understanding of the rhythm of the game.

Imagine that he is on the Reds' front line: Nunes can be rotated or sold, Gakepo and Jota transform into super substitutes, and the midfielder is aggressive and forward to get a fulcrum. Ekitic not only adapts to the system, but also serves as a catalyst that can increase the team's lower limit.

If the Red Army is determined to transform Slott's stunning first season into a dynasty, what they need is not only system adapters, but also strategic choices with growth potential. Ekitic may not be the most dazzling superstar, but it is definitely the wisest long-term answer. He not only leads the front line, but is also likely to redefine this position.