Alexander Isak has already shown his amazing quality at the World Cup for Sweden. In their meeting with Tunisia, Graham Potter’s side cruised to a 5-1 victory, with the Liverpool forward at the centre of attention.
The 26-year-old provided two assists for his teammates and scored a fantastic curling effort. It was reminiscent of his time at Newcastle as he became recognised as one of the best strikers in the league. Although many still have faith in him, that sentiment is rarely shared.
While he didn’t look like he had that same hunger under Arne Slot, it isn’t all Isak’s fault. A lack of a pre-season at the Magpies meant he arrived without match fitness. This took a serious toll throughout the campaign, and a broken leg in December put a halt to progress.
Kopites still know what type of player he can be at Anfield despite the serious setbacks. Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson spoke about the forward featuring at the World Cup, and how supporters shouldn’t be casting him aside.
Thompson discussed Isak future at Liverpool
Thompson has seen several legends of the club during his time as a Reds supporter. From the 1960s were Roger Hunt, to modern-day icons like Mohamed Salah. There are few who can identify a top goalscorer like Thompson.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Thompson believes that more minutes are required. Not only to get back to full fitness, but also to have the confidence flowing through his veins once again.
He said, “He needs to play football matches. He’s not played.
“Because he had controversy last pre-season, he never got a pre-season. If you don’t have that under your belt, then you come back, and you’re playing catch-up.
He started the game for Sweden against Tunisia, though for the Reds, he only started eight Premier League matches. There are some slight fears that he may miss parts again if he is overused at the tournament. The next year will be crucial on Merseyside, especially under his new boss, Andoni Iraola.
Some sections of the fanbase have begun to question his future at the club. Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury may leave them without a main striker if the Swede get injured. The former Reds captain believes that the discussion needs putting to bed, as he hasn’t had a chance to thrive.
“People writing him off is like… come on. Give the boy a chance. He’s never been fit enough.”
On the podcast, former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce believes that Sweden’s success can play into Liverpool’s hands. With extra games providing great preparation for pre-season.
“It’ll be a good thing if he plays all the games and how far they go, then it links into pre-season with Liverpool, and then he could be a major force next season.”
A new chapter at Anfield
It was a frustrating debut campaign for the £125 million, though a breath of fresh air is on its way. Fans were tired of Slot’s tactics by the end of his stay, with Iraola giving a new look to the side. One of the major positives could come for the strikers at Liverpool under the Spaniard.
At Bournemouth, the strikers were the centre piece of all the attacking force. Whereas under the Dutch head coach, they had to rely on scraps on most occasions. Eddie Howe made Isak a priority at St James’ Park, which helped them end their trophy drought against Slot’s Reds.
Many view the 26-year-old as just an out-and-out number nine. That is an incorrect notion that circles the star forward. On international duty, he has shown his ability to drive forward, set up his teammates and press. In a post-Mohamed Salah world, fans are slightly worried about who their main goalscorer is. If Isak can stay fit for Liverpool, they will have no worries about finding the goals, and the World Cup can play its part in helping him become the star he was always meant to be on Merseyside.
