Alexander Isak’s start to life at Liverpool has not exactly gone to plan.
The Swede pushed hard to make sure his dream move to Anfield came true over the summer, taking a grenade to his reputation as a hero at Newcastle.
Since then, it has felt like one setback after another for Isak. Having scored only once in eight Liverpool appearances, the pressure is beginning to mount on the Reds’ new No. 9.
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To make matters worse for Isak, his Liverpool transfer has come at a time when the Sweden national team are in diabolical form themselves.
After losing 4-1 against Switzerland on Saturday, the Swedes are now without a win in five matches and have tasted defeat in their last four.
Isak was not ready to start Saturday’s capitulation, and only played the final 27 minutes. But as he spoke to the Swedish press following the match, he made an admission that things are simply not going his way at the moment.
Alexander Isak walks out at the Etihad Stadium before Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Alexander Isak admits to autumn struggles
Any hope Sweden had of their fortunes turning around under new manager Graham Potter were obliterated in Geneva.
Thankfully for Isak and co, their World Cup dream is not yet over. Having enjoyed a good UEFA Nations League campaign, Sweden are guaranteed a play-off spot.
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In the form they are currently in that will hardly matter, however. Things have to improve.
Isak himself knows that too, and when questioned by Sportbladet after Saturday’s match, the 26-year-old admitted that the season ‘hasn’t been optimal’ for him with club or country so far.
When will Alexander Isak hit form for Liverpool?
“Every Liverpool player and fan knows that when Alexander Isak hits form, or whenever it clicks, he’s going to be a problem.”
Adebayo Akinfenwa on Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
“It hasn’t been optimal. But when I’m on the field, I don’t give myself any excuses,” says Isak. “I always want to play my game and perform. But yes, it’s hard to be away [injured] and not be able to help and contribute. Now I’m back and I’m positive.
“There’s not much that’s easy in football. But with experience you learn to deal with things. That’s how it is with injuries and all that. You learn to deal with it and get back on track the right way.”
Isak’s form will turn around if fitness remains
Despite results not going his way so far this season, it has not necessarily been because of a lack of performance from Isak himself.
No, he has not been finding the net, and that will be a frustration for him, but he has largely been fine while finding his feet at Liverpool.
The sharpness should have returned by now, and there will rightly be pressure on him to start finding the net once the international break is over.
However, Isak can still be Liverpool’s saviour this season, no question about it. The key factor will be whether he can maintain his fitness. Stay on the pitch, and the goals will follow.
Should Isak continue lurching from one niggle to the next, though, it will be impossible for him to turn things around. For the striker, availability is going to be the best ability over the coming months.