Liverpool's high-profile acquisition of Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a reported £125 million has not yet yielded the expected returns, and a concerning statistic has emerged that throws light on one of the team's pressing issues. Isak's average of just 14 touches per game in his last three starts for Liverpool is an alarming figure that points to a disconnect between the striker and the rest of the team.
Following a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot acknowledged the need to get Isak more involved in threatening positions. Slot stated that, while it's not uncommon for strikers to have limited touches, Liverpool needs to ensure Isak gets the ball in moments that matter. He also noted that Isak averaged 22 touches per game at Newcastle, a significant difference that highlights the current problem at Liverpool.
Several factors contribute to this issue. Isak's slow start to his Anfield career, with only two goals in his first 12 appearances, can be attributed to a disrupted pre-season. Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey pointed out that Isak's fitness levels may not be optimal, making the transition to a new club even more challenging. Slot also believes that the absence of orthodox wingers and the increasing prevalence of teams defending with a low block have added to Isak's difficulties.
The lack of attacking threat was evident in the Sunderland game, even with Mohamed Salah's introduction in the second half. Steve Nicol described Isak as "invisible" during the match, though he admitted that the blame lies primarily with the team's overall performance.
Slot has drawn comparisons between Isak's situation and that of Manchester City's Erling Haaland, noting that even the most prolific strikers don't necessarily have a high number of touches. However, he emphasized that Haaland touches the ball in more dangerous positions, which is an area where Liverpool needs to improve with Isak.
The Liverpool squad needs to work on getting Isak into more attacking positions. This involves creating more chances, pressing better, and rediscovering their rhythm. As Heskey noted, improving fitness while playing in a team that is struggling can be difficult, so a collective effort is crucial. Virgil van Dijk has also defended Isak, highlighting the importance of the team supporting him.
Despite the challenges, Slot remains optimistic about Isak's long-term future at Liverpool. He acknowledged that it's unrealistic to expect Isak to complete three 90-minute games in a week, indicating that managing his fitness will be key. He also stressed that the club has invested in Isak for the long term, not just for a short period. The focus now is on integrating him effectively into the team's system and maximizing his strengths.
