Alexander Isak is starting to show Liverpool supporters exactly why the club were prepared to spend so much money bringing him to Anfield.
The Swedish striker has now scored seven Premier League goals in nine appearances this season, making him Liverpool’s leading scorer and one of the most productive forwards in the division.
His latest goal came in Sunday’s 3-1 victory away to Crystal Palace, when he calmly finished after Florian Wirtz’s excellent work to put the result beyond doubt.
And what makes Isak’s scoring record particularly impressive is how consistently he has been finding the net against different opposition.
Seven goals, six different opponents
Isak’s Premier League goals have come against:
● ⚽ Nottingham Forest
● ⚽⚽ Ipswich Town
● ⚽ Bournemouth
● ⚽ Brentford
● ⚽ Brighton
● ⚽ Crystal Palace
He has scored in six different league matches, including a brace against Ipswich. That is exactly the sort of consistency Liverpool need from their main striker.
There was a period when questions were being asked about Isak, particularly when Liverpool were struggling to create enough chances and he was looking isolated up front.
But the goals are arriving, and his importance to this team is becoming increasingly obvious.
Liverpool need to give him the service he deserves
I’ve said previously that Liverpool’s biggest attacking problem has often been the lack of quality service from midfield.
Isak is a striker who thrives when the ball is played into the right areas. He wants to attack space, run in behind defenders and get himself into positions where he can finish.
We saw that again against Palace. His movement helped create opportunities for others, before Wirtz returned the favour with the assist for his goal.
That understanding between the two could become hugely important for Liverpool as the season progresses.
There is still plenty of room for improvement in Liverpool’s overall attacking play, but having a striker who can consistently put the ball in the net gives the team a massive advantage.
Isak can be the difference for Iraola
Liverpool have not had the smoothest start to the Premier League campaign, and Andoni Iraola still has plenty of work to do to get this team playing consistently.
But there are positives.
Isak is delivering goals, Wirtz finally opened his Premier League account against Palace, and the attacking potential is there if Liverpool can find the right balance in midfield.
Seven goals in nine league appearances is an excellent return. At 27, Isak should be entering the prime years of his career, and Liverpool need to build an attack that gets the very best out of him.
I don’t think we’ve seen anything like his full potential in a Liverpool shirt yet.
If the service improves and the understanding with Wirtz and the other forwards continues to develop, there is every reason to believe Isak can finish the season with a very impressive goal tally.
Liverpool paid big money for Alexander Isak because they wanted a striker who could deliver at the highest level. Seven goals in nine Premier League games suggests they are beginning to see exactly what they invested in.
By Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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