Alexander Isak’s Struggles Analyzed by The Athletic

Alexander Isak’s recent stint at Liverpool has seen him accumulate only 382 minutes on the pitch. Within this time, he made 105 touches, attempted 11 shots with five on target, and netted a single goal. His goal came in a 2-1 victory against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. This performance falls below expectations, especially after Liverpool made him the most expensive transfer in British football history, acquiring him from Newcastle United for £125 million on deadline day in early September.

A Scrutinized Early Season Performance

As reigning Premier League champions falter, Isak is under increasing scrutiny. Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat against rivals Manchester United, marking their fourth consecutive loss across all competitions. Currently, they trail league leaders Arsenal by four points following eight matches.

Isak’s Complex Character

Throughout his career, particularly during his three seasons at Newcastle, Isak has been seen as a multifaceted personality. He demonstrated ambition by pushing for a move to Liverpool, which caused unrest during his final days at Newcastle. He possesses dual traits of being goal-driven and laid-back, which might require specific provocations for peak performance.

Lack of Match Fitness

Isak’s slow start can be partially attributed to his lack of pre-season preparation. Opting out of Newcastle’s pre-season activities, he missed both their tour and several friendly matches. This decision set him back significantly, impacting his integration into Liverpool’s squad. After making his appearance for Sweden post-injury, he slowly returned to match fitness, debuting for Liverpool on September 17, 16 days after his transfer. Coach Arne Slot has noted that Isak is fit and ready to perform now.

Issues Affecting His Performance

• Finishing Inconsistencies: Isak has missed crucial chances, including a one-on-one against Manchester United, which should have been easier to convert for a striker of his quality.
• Service Deficiencies: He has struggled to make an impact partly due to limited service from teammates. While he has tried to drop into deeper areas, the lack of creative support restricts his effectiveness.
• Relationship with Teammates: Building on-field rapport with new teammates, like fellow summer signings Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz, remains a work in progress.

Comparative Analysis

In contrast to his successful tenure at Newcastle, where he had a prolific partnership with Jacob Murphy, Isak faces challenges adapting to Liverpool’s playing style. Newcastle provided him with consistent service, particularly through quick crosses, allowing him to thrive. At Liverpool, he navigates a diverse mix of personalities and ambitions, complicating his assimilation.

Future Prospects for Isak

While Isak’s current form and integration into Liverpool’s system pose challenges, he possesses the potential to recapture his previous scoring prowess. As he develops relationships on the pitch, it’s expected that both the quality and quantity of scoring opportunities will improve. Coach Arne Slot has emphasized that Isak’s worth should be judged over an extended period, reaffirming that the club invested in him for the long term, not instant results.

As Liverpool strives to regain their foothold in the league, all eyes will be on Alexander Isak to see if he can turn his performance around and justify his record transfer fee.