Alexander Isak is starting to look like the striker Liverpool supporters hoped they were getting when he arrived at Anfield.
Another game, another goal. The Swedish international was on target again in Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Brighton, taking his tally to six goals in seven Premier League games.
And the timing could hardly be better for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Liverpool needed a result at Anfield, and Isak delivered when it mattered, finishing off a brilliant attacking move involving Bradley Barcola to put the Reds 2-0 ahead in the 21st minute.
It was a clinical finish, but it was also another reminder of why Liverpool invested so heavily in bringing him to the club.
The goals are coming, the confidence is growing, and Liverpool are beginning to see the striker they wanted.
Isak is finding his scoring touch
There was plenty of discussion about Isak during the early stages of his Liverpool career, and understandably so.
When a club spends that kind of money on a striker, expectations are enormous. Supporters want goals, match-winning performances and someone they can rely on when the pressure is on.
Isak is beginning to provide exactly that.
His latest effort against Brighton followed goals in consecutive Premier League appearances, extending his scoring run to three league games in a row.
That is the sort of consistency Liverpool need from their main attacking threat.
Great strikers are not judged solely on their technical ability. They are judged on whether they can find the net regularly, especially when their team needs them most.
Isak is showing signs that he can become that player for Liverpool.
The Barcola and Isak partnership is worth watching
One of the most encouraging aspects of Liverpool’s second goal was the combination between Barcola and Isak.
Alisson launched the attack with a long pass, Barcola used his pace to get forward and delivered the ball into the danger area, where Isak was ready to finish.
It was direct, decisive and exactly the sort of move that can cause Premier League defences serious problems.
Liverpool have plenty of attacking talent, but finding the right combinations is crucial. Barcola offers pace and direct running, while Isak has the movement and finishing ability to turn those opportunities into goals.
If the pair can continue building an understanding, Liverpool could have a dangerous partnership on their hands.
And there are other players who can contribute, too. Florian Wirtz’s creativity and Cody Gakpo’s attacking threat give Iraola different ways to supply his striker.
The key is making sure Isak receives the ball in the areas where he can do the most damage.
This is why Liverpool paid the big money
Isak’s quality has never really been in doubt. The question has been how quickly he could settle, find his rhythm and consistently produce the numbers expected of a record signing.
Now the goals are starting to tell their own story.
Six goals in seven Premier League games is an excellent return, and scoring in three consecutive league appearances suggests he is building momentum at exactly the right time.
Liverpool need a striker who can turn half-chances into goals and give the team a cutting edge when matches are tight.
Isak has the movement, composure and technical ability to do that. When he is confident and getting good service, he can be a nightmare for defenders.
The challenge now is to keep this run going.
One good spell is encouraging, but Liverpool need Isak to maintain this level throughout the season. If he does, his goals could prove absolutely vital to their ambitions under Iraola.
Liverpool supporters have plenty to be excited about
The 2-0 win over Brighton was important for Liverpool for several reasons. It delivered a first Premier League home victory under Iraola, secured a clean sheet and gave the supporters another glimpse of what this team might become.
Isak’s contribution was right at the heart of it.
There is still plenty for Liverpool to improve, and nobody should pretend every problem has suddenly disappeared. But a striker scoring regularly makes a huge difference to the mood around a team.
Confidence spreads. Teammates become more willing to find him, attacking moves have a clearer purpose, and opponents know they cannot afford to give him space in the box.
That is the sort of threat Liverpool need.
Six goals in seven Premier League games. Three consecutive league matches with a goal. And hopefully, plenty more to come.
For me, Isak is starting to show why Liverpool wanted him so badly. The quality was always there, but now the numbers are following.
Keep supplying him with chances, and there is every reason to believe he can become one of the most important players in Iraola’s Liverpool side.
Alexander Isak simply can’t stop scoring right now – and long may it continue!
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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