Alexander Isak has been Liverpool’s new signing. Furthermore, he is likely to make his long-awaited debut against Atletico Madrid in UEFA Champions League. The talented young forward became an instant club and British record signing after joining the Reds on Deadline Day for a HUGE £125 million transfer. Liverpool coach Arne Slot has assured that Isak will be part of the squad for Wednesday’s encounter. This is particularly surprising given that Isak has not played a game since joining.
Isak’s move to Liverpool has been anything but a clear-cut affair. Since joining the club earlier this summer, he’s still not made a first-team app due to concerns of his fitness. He lost four critical months of institutional team practice time leading up to the transfer. This lack of competitive minutes makes a lot of his top-flight readiness up for debate. Despite these caveats, Slot is hopeful about Isak’s potential to create change.
Training and Readiness
On Tuesday, Isak took part in training sessions with his new teammates, further revealing his intent to quickly adapt to the team. Slot also raves about Isak for displaying tremendous ability in the training sessions. This performance, overall, bodes well for his long-term on-field success.
“Very good. Very eager. The quality he’s been showing already since the first session – I was still on international duty – from what I’ve heard and seen, so only positive.” – Virgil van Dijk
Slot further stressed that although Isak is available for selection, he wouldn’t be playing the full game.
“Then there’s a chance to play, but I can say it’s 100 per cent sure that he will not play 90 minutes.” – Arne Slot
The manager reiterated that Isak’s primary focus should be on regaining fitness while quickly adapting to Liverpool’s playing style, which involves high pressing and quick transitions.
“Getting fit after missing out on four months of proper team sessions.” – Arne Slot
Expectations and Goals
Isak comes to Liverpool with very high expectations after the club made a significant financial investment in the player. Liverpool’s total spending this season has now climbed to a staggering £446.5 million. This represents a huge increase from the just £10 million spent in the whole of last summer. After successfully recouping more than £228 million through player sales, the club clearly has the financial resources to strengthen and improve its squad.
Slot elaborated that Isak isn’t simply a supplement. He’s a pretty darn important replacement for those departing players who had a huge hand in getting their team there.
“It’s not really an addition is it? It’s a replacement because players with a lot of quality left us, so we had to replace these players who were so important for us and we had success with.” – Arne Slot
Fortunately for Isak’s ambitions, they match the club’s as well. His intention is to be the central figure in any attack, racking up both goals and assists, while helping build up link-up play with his teammates.
“Hopefully for him, he can score a lot of goals. Just work hard, enjoy being the number nine for Liverpool, be important for the group with goals, assists, link-up play, help others and that’s the only thing you have influence on.” – Arne Slot
The Road Ahead
Isak to make his debut against Atletico Madrid. He needs to adjust on the fly to Liverpool’s grueling training schedule and tactical requirements. Slot stated he had every faith in Isak’s ability and concluded he was ready to provide a spark even after limited minutes.
He’s in the group, so he’s absolutely got a chance,” Slot said. He suggested the forward’s likely importance to the outcome during his pre‐match media comments.
If Isak performs as he did against Atletico, it will be a fine first competitive outing for the young Swede. It’s perhaps the best opportunity for him on this biggest of stages to demonstrate his sublime talent and ceiling. As Liverpool look to make themselves a fixture at the top end of Europe’s elite, that will make Isak’s addition all the more important.
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