Alexander Isak finally found the back of the net for Liverpool, notching his first goal of the season in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. But don’t let that perfect run and Cody Gakpo’s delivery fool you, because the harsh truth is, the club’s record £125 million man looked largely ineffective, raising serious questions for new manager Andoni Iraola.
The Record-Breaking Burden Is Real
When Liverpool shelled out that insane £125 million for Isak last summer, they weren’t just buying a striker, they were making him the most expensive Premier League player ever. And with Bradley Barcola’s £123 million deal about to close, Isak’s price tag stands out even more. The expectation on him is massive, and it’s clear to see why. At Newcastle, Isak was a beast, bagging 44 Premier League goals in his last two seasons. His first campaign at Anfield was rough, though, with injuries limiting him to just three goals in 14 top-flight appearances. Iraola has drawn his first two games as manager, and if he wants to turn those draws into wins, getting Isak firing is step one.
Where’s the Trust on the Pitch?
Isak had some impressive showings for Sweden at the World Cup and looked sharp in preseason, but his struggles were front and center against Forest. In the first 45 minutes, he had a measly six touches, only one accurate pass, and zero shots. Zero! Ex-England keeper Joe Hart, now a pundit, didn’t hold back. He said it’s “clear that Liverpool haven’t worked out how to play with Alexander Isak yet.” He hit the nail on the head: at Newcastle, “everything flowed through him,” with midfielders knowing exactly where he’d be. At Liverpool? “That trust just isn’t there at the moment,” Hart observed. Isak looks “lost and isolated,” not at all the central point he needs to be.
Iraola’s Crossroads Moment
When Isak finally scored, his smile told a story, and he told TNT Sports, “That’s the job ultimately as a striker. I am very happy to score the first one and hopefully it just keeps coming.” Former captain Steven Gerrard called the goal “big” for Isak’s confidence and the team. But one goal doesn’t fix everything. Hart believes Iraola has “big decisions to make,” urging him to “commit to what the club have done by investing so heavily in Isak.” He’s right, there’s no point in signing a player like that if you’re not going to use him to his strengths. The club believes Isak is a long-term signing, and judgment was reserved while he was getting fit. Now he’s fit, and the heat is on. Iraola’s challenge is clear: unlock the £125 million talent. The entire season could hinge on how he solves this riddle.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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