Liverpool signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a record fee towards the end of the summer window.
The Sweden international has a goal and an assist in 429 minutes from eight matches. His goal came in Liverpool’s EFL Cup win over Southampton a month ago.
Isak has also failed to deliver for the national team in the last two international breaks. Journalist Olof Lundh has blamed the striker for making Sweden weak and even accused him of not taking responsibility.
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has been speaking to Sweden’s Fotboll Direkt to give his take on Isak’s struggles at Anfield.
The 26-year-old had to force a move to the Merseyside club by going on a strike and refusing to train with Newcastle. He waited until deadline day to secure a transfer, meaning the frontman didn’t have a full pre-season.
Johnson believes Isak may have lost focus because of events that took place last summer.
“I think playing for your club and the national team are two different things. Isak has had a hectic few months sorting things out behind the scenes, which can affect your focus,” he said.
Liverpool player would be welcomed by England
The Liverpool summer signing and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres are the two main strikers for Sweden. However, the duo failed to deliver in recent times.
Johnson, who played for the Reds between 2009 and 2015, is confident Isak will regain his best form. He’s urged Graham Potter, Sweden’s new manager, to make it work.
“It’s sad for Sweden that their two best players [Isak and Gyökeres] are playing in the same position. But they have to make it work, because England would take both. They have to make it work,” Johnson explained.
“Isak has been through a lot, so the dust needs to settle. He will bounce back and score the goals he scored for Newcastle, for Liverpool and Sweden.”
On Wednesday, Isak suffered an injury in Liverpool’s 5-1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt.