It was an event in Liverpool when they welcomed Alexander Isak, their $170 million superstar, to the club with a Champions League match against Atletiko Madrid. The Swede was wearing the traditional No. 9 shirt, but the evening was that of old friends. Anfield has always been a cruel stage for newcomers—it demands not just skill, but sorcery. And on Wednesday, sorcery had two names: Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Alexander Isak Watches the Salah Show
Before Isak could settle into his new boots, Salah reminded everyone that legends don’t fade quietly. In six minutes he was at the centre of it all, John Robertson serving him with a free kick on the heel and then he beefed his way in the box to score himself. It was not the Instagram magic; it was simply grit with a touch of flair that was old school. In the meantime, Isak gazed at them, as the new kid at school does, and the elders manage the cafeteria.
Alexander Isak and the Van Dijk Finale
If Salah was the curtain-raiser, Van Dijk was the encore. Atletico clawed back with Marcos Llorente’s double, threatening to spoil the evening. But in stoppage time, Van Dijk’s towering header sent Anfield into delirium. Isak, already subbed off, could only watch the captain’s coronation from the sidelines. For Liverpool, late drama isn’t a glitch—it’s the brand.
My Take on Isak’s Night
Look, $170 million is not chump change—it’s enough to buy every kebab shop in Merseyside. But Isak’s debut was less about him and more about Liverpool reminding the world that this is still Salah’s and Van Dijk’s house. Isak doesn’t need to panic; even Luis Suárez once had a quiet night or two before setting Anfield ablaze. But he now knows the homework: score goals, or the Kop will find another hero.And let’s be honest—if Alexander Isak wants to write his own Liverpool legend, he’ll need fireworks, not warm-up sparks, very soon.