Liverpool paid £125 million to bring Alexander Isak to Anfield because they wanted one of the most exciting strikers in European football leading their attack.
But there is a growing concern that the Swedish international simply isn’t getting enough of the right opportunities.
Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Arsenal was another example. Isak worked hard to find space, made his runs and tried to get involved, but too often he was left feeding off scraps against one of the strongest defensive units in the Premier League.
I’m not saying Isak is beyond criticism. He needs to contribute more, and there are aspects of his game that must improve. But Liverpool also have to take responsibility for getting the best out of their record signing.
You cannot spend £125 million on a striker and then expect him to create everything for himself.
Isak was isolated against Arsenal
The Arsenal match was particularly frustrating because Liverpool had plenty of possession and spent long periods putting pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side.
Yet how often did we actually find Isak in a dangerous position?
He managed two shots, neither of which troubled David Raya, and struggled to get a clear sight of goal.
There was also the controversial incident involving Jurriën Timber, who pulled Isak’s shirt as Bradley Barcola delivered a cross. The officials failed to award a penalty, despite the contact being clear on the replays.
That could have changed the game.
But beyond that incident, Liverpool needed to create better opportunities for their centre-forward.
Arsenal defended brilliantly, but Liverpool’s attacking play became predictable. There were too many crosses that failed to find their target and not enough clever passes into the spaces where Isak could do damage.
Liverpool need to play to Isak’s strengths
One of Isak’s biggest strengths is his movement.
He can drift into channels, run behind defenders, link up with teammates and finish chances with either foot. He is not simply a traditional centre-forward who waits inside the penalty area.
However, Liverpool need to make sure he is receiving the ball in positions where he can influence games.
That means quicker forward passes, better combinations around the penalty area and more intelligent movement from the players behind him.
Florian Wirtz is capable of providing the creativity, while Bradley Barcola has the pace to stretch defences and get behind opponents.
Cody Gakpo can also contribute by linking play and creating space.
The problem is that these players still need to develop a better understanding of how to play together.
There are moments when Isak makes a run but the ball doesn’t arrive. There are other occasions when Liverpool slow the attack down and allow the opposition to get everybody back into position.
By then, the opportunity has disappeared.
The Haaland comparison is worth considering
Look at how Manchester City use Erling Haaland.
He doesn’t need to be involved in every passage of play to influence a match. City understand that his movement and finishing are among his greatest weapons, and they work hard to create opportunities for him.
Liverpool need to find a similar balance with Isak.
He doesn’t necessarily need 50 touches every game. What matters is that he receives the ball in dangerous areas and gets enough opportunities to use his finishing ability.
A striker can go through periods without touching the ball regularly, but if the team creates chances, he can still decide matches.
Isak has already shown that he can deliver important goals for Liverpool. The challenge is making sure those opportunities arrive consistently.
The responsibility cannot all fall on Isak
I do think Isak needs to improve certain aspects of his performances.
He needs to be more involved, work harder to connect with the players around him and make sure he is offering a consistent threat.
But the responsibility cannot all fall on the striker.
Liverpool’s attacking players need to provide better service, while Iraola must find a system that allows his expensive forward line to work together.
The statistics from the Arsenal defeat were revealing. Liverpool had 17 shots but failed to register a single effort on target. They also delivered 34 crosses, many of which failed to cause Arsenal serious problems.
That tells us the issue is bigger than one striker.
Liverpool are getting into attacking areas, but the quality of the final ball and the decisions in the final third need to improve.
My verdict: Give Isak the service and let him do the damage
I remain convinced there is a top-class striker in Alexander Isak.
We have seen what he can do, and I don’t believe Liverpool should start questioning their record signing simply because he hasn’t been involved enough in certain matches.
But we need to see improvement from everybody.
Wirtz needs to become more decisive with his creativity. Barcola needs to provide more consistent end product. Gakpo must contribute more when linking the attack, and the midfield needs to support the forwards rather than leaving them isolated.
Iraola has some important decisions to make.
Liverpool have invested heavily in this attack, but spending big money on talented individuals means very little if they cannot function as a team.
Isak needs better service, Liverpool need more creativity and Iraola needs to find a way to get his expensive forward line firing.
I don’t want to see another season where our centre-forward is left waiting for opportunities that never arrive.
Get the ball into Isak’s feet, put quality crosses into the box and give him chances to attack the space.
Then let’s judge him on what he can actually do.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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