Alexander Isak continues to prove his detractors correct after yet another goalless showing for Liverpool.
The Swede has had a torrid time since forcing through a move from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day.
Isak had another chance to turn the corner on Saturday, starting for Liverpool as they faced Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
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But after touching the ball just 15 times, the No. 9 made it six games without a Liverpool goal. Truly, there is nothing to be positive about with Isak just now.
Perhaps the one shining ray of hope is that his desperate form is really not his fault. Every time he plays for the Reds, it becomes more and more apparent that his teammates simply do not know how to utilise his strengths.
Having spent so much on Isak, fans were certain Arne Slot had a plan to play both he and Hugo Ekitike together. So far, that has not looked like the case. And as things lurched from bad to worse for Isak, he matched an unfortunate 119-year Liverpool record.
Alexander Isak shoots on goal during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Alexander Isak can’t catch a break for Liverpool
When Isak actually has the ball at his feet, there is always the feeling that he could be about to prove everyone wrong and do something magical.
However, the rest of the Liverpool team does not appear to be set up to get the ball to him. It was always going to take some time, but this is beyond bad.
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As statistician Michael Reid pointed out after the game, Isak has now lost his first four league starts for Liverpool. The last player to do that was apparently Percy Saul in 1906. 1906!
Newcastle fans will be delighted to see their former striker struggling, and will feel some kind of justice has been served following his actions over the summer.
Should Liverpool sack Arne Slot?
Arne Slot following Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
But in reality, Isak has not really even been given the chance to play badly. Every time he’s on the pitch he is swallowed up by Liverpool’s non-existent tactics and pathetic attempts to battle their opposition.
One goal in nine appearances is clearly not the start the £120m man would have been looking for, but he badly needs help from those around him.
Slot needs to work out his plan for Isak as quickly as possible, otherwise this unfortunate statistic is going to get even worse. The Swede is not the problem, those around him need to do whatever they can to get his confidence back.
How can Liverpool get the best out of Isak?
There is good reason for Liverpool supporters to be alarmed by the current lack of goals from Isak. The player himself should not bear the brunt of that frustration, though.
Isak will score goals if he is supplied chances. At this moment in time, Liverpool are not set up to do that.
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
There is a way they can get far more out of their star striker, and Slot should be working on what that is day in, day out on the training pitch.
The hope will be that can come in part of a two-man attack with Ekitike. It is easy to see how the pair could dovetail with each other to great effect.
As things stand, Liverpool’s desperate form is making it impossible for them to find any kind of rhythm. Isak is suffering because of that, but nobody should be giving up on him just yet.