After finally making his first Liverpool appearance against Atletico Madrid, Alexander Isak will have his sights set on the Merseyside derby against Everton and Arne Slot has already dropped a hint about his potential role.
Isak makes Liverpool debut
It was never going to be a game that saw Isak steal the show in the same way that he so often did for Newcastle United. He's not quite there yet, as he works his way back to sharpness. But the Swede certainly showed plenty of glimpses.
What particularly stood out is how Florian Wirtz also burst into life for the first time in Liverpool colours when combining with his fellow summer arrival. That partnership, if it continues to click, will be one to watch.
Although it's difficult to criticise a side that have won four from four in the Premier League, Liverpool looked far more balanced against Atletico Madrid before complacency forced them into winning late on once again.
Isak, Mohamed Salah, Wirtz and Cody Gakpo formed a formidable frontline, whilst Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch proved that they'll be a tough midfield partnership to break up for the rest of Slot's options in that department.
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Jeremie Frimpong's influence should also be noted. The addition of a natural, overlapping full-back - which Szoboszlai did not provide - allowed Salah the space that he has been craving to cut inside and return to his most influential form.
Finally complete now that Isak is up and running, the depth of quality that this current Liverpool side have at their disposal should be frightening for any Premier League rival. But after making his debut against Atletico Madrid, will Isak start against Everton in the Merseyside derby this weekend?
Liverpool vs Everton: Slot drops early Isak hint
Speaking about the Swede's potential role against Everton, Slot told reporters that, whilst Isak surprised him, fans shouldn't get their hopes too high for another start in a matter of days. Instead, Anfield may be forced to welcome their new star striker from the bench on Saturday afternoon.
"Yeah, particularly because in the 60 minutes he played he seemed to be quite fit to me. It wasn't as if after 10 minutes he was already very tired. He could play at this level quite well after one or two weeks of team sessions.”
"So that was the thing and he can play football and that he's a joy to watch and that is not a surprise to me. He was fitter than I expected but the fans can't get their hopes too high. We play three times a week and that's a bit too much for him still.”
Of course, such is the depth of talent in Liverpool's squad, it will likely be Hugo Ekitike who starts against Everton. The Frenchman has scored two Premier League goals in four games and has looked more than capable of pushing Isak all the way for a starting place this season.