Alexander Isak made his much-desired first appearance as a Liverpool player in their UEFA Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid and fans have given their take on how the Premier League's most expensive player fared.
The Swedish striker sat out the Reds' 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday due to his lack of team training, following his push to leave Newcastle United throughout the summer. But Arne Slot opted to throw him into his starting lineup for the Atleti clash, which he claimed was the plan all along.
Isak wasn't on the scoresheet but looked sharp as he started up top with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on the wings. His clever movement and quick feet were on display, as was his knack for linking up with others, which gave Atleti defenders issues.
Giving The Kop A Glimpse - Alexander Isak's Liverpool Debut
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Liverpool surged into a two-nil lead within just six minutes when Mohamed Salah's free-kick struck a post and flew past Jan Oblak in the fourth minute before the Egyptian found the back of the net two minutes later. Isak was alive and waiting to see if there were any leftovers.
Isak gave fans a glimpse of what to expect from him in the 13th minute when a cut step-over took him into the visitors' box, but nothing came of the move. His side's early lead meant there was little reason for them to continue pressing forward, and subsequently little involvement for the Swede for the time being.
The Sweden international did look right at home in Slot's attack, gelling well with the likes of Salah and Cody Gakpo. He tested Oblak in the 40th minute with a tame effort, but at least showed intent to try and notch his first goal on his debut.
Isak linked up well with Florian Wirtz moments later, and a clever one-two nearly led to his fellow big-money signing finding the back of the net. It was a promising first-half display that suggested there would be no concerns over adapting to his new team, unlike Wirtz, who has come under fire for some under-par performances.
Slot gave him until the 58th minute before withdrawing the former Real Sociedad man ahead of Saturday's Merseyside derby. He headed off for Hugo Ekitike, who he'll likely be in competition with for the number nine berth.
Liverpool Fans Enthused By 'Phenomenal' Isak
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Fans had to wait until deadline day for Isak to become a Liverpool player after spending the entire summer downing tools at Newcastle. Many would envision he'd lack match sharpness, but Slot's plan looks to have paid off as he was a bright spark throughout against Atletico Madrid.
Isak put in a performance that fans think bodes well for the future and suggests he can replicate his excellent exploits at St James' Park on Merseyside.
One fan thinks the transfer record sum paid was money well spent:
"Isak with one touch or move of his body creates shooting chances, he is worth all the 130m man!!"
Another noticed Isak's connection with Wirtz
"This isak and Wirtz link up (tears of joy)"
One supporter praised the striker's impact:
"Isak & Wirtz seem to be clicking. Best half of footy this season by a mile."
Another waxed lyrical:
"Alexander Isak is a phenomenal player. He’s not fully fit, but you can already see just how much he’s gonna improve our frontline. Not that a front three of Gakpo, Ekitike, and Salah needed much improvement in the first place."
A fan account added:
"Some absolutely ridiculous football being played! Alexander Isak looks incredibly sharp too, took a while to get involved but… wow!"
Isak will be keen to keep his place in Slot's side for the Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday (September 20). His manager is spoiled for choice up top with Hugo Ekitike excelling since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt.