Liverpool: Sweden outing exposes Alexander Isak issue awaiting Andoni Iraola
Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola will have to quickly work out how to get the best out of striker Alexander Isak.
Iraola has been unveiled as Liverpool’s new manager and amid rising tensions towards Arne Slot this season, the Spaniard will want to get off to a positive start.
The 43-year-old was known for playing high press, attacking football at Bournemouth, and he should be looking at Isak to become his talisman at Liverpool.
Liverpool spent a British record £125million to sign Isak from Newcastle last summer, but he only netted three Premier League goals across his first campaign at Anfield.
Finding a way to fit Isak into his system could be key to Iraola succeeding at Anfield, especially with Hugo Ekitike out injured until 2027.
Alexander Isak flops in Sweden draw
Isak has had his own share of injury problems at Liverpool, and Iraola will have been pleased to have seen him start for Sweden ahead of the World Cup.
Isak managed 64 minutes in Sweden’s final warm-up game against Greece before they head out to the World Cup in North America, but the striker failed to impress.
The 26-year-old spurned his one big chance of the match, won just two of his six duels, only had two touches inside the opposition box, and had to drop deep on numerous occasions to get on the ball.
Isak, alongside Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, were stifled by a Greek side who will not be heading to the World Cup.
Iraola is sure to be keeping a close eye on Isak throughout the World Cup as he prepares his Liverpool team, and whether he needs to dip into the market for a new forward.
Liverpool experiment fails to work
Isak’s lack of form, and Ekikte’s injury, means that Iraola should be looking to add a striker to his ranks this summer.
Sources previously told Football Insider that Liverpool would be in the market for a striker, with Isak the only fit number nine at the club currently.
Slot’s experiment of starting Cody Gakpo up-front failed to work, and the Dutchman looks far more comfortable starting out wide.
Isak therefore looks like he will be a pivotal player for Iraola during his early stages at the club, but his current form will not help Liverpool mount a Premier League title challenge next season.