Alexander Isak has failed to impress since swapping St. James' Park for Anfield in the summer, but Steven Gerrard believes the Swede can turn things around
Steven Gerrard on TNT Sports
Steven Gerrard thinks Alexander Isak will come good but he needs minutes in him and fast
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Steven Gerrard has backed Alexander Isak to become a 'very important' player for Liverpool. The 26-year-old striker, whom the Reds signed from Newcastle United for £125m in the summer, has struggled to establish himself as a key player in Arne Slot's side.
Isak has featured 10 times across all competitions this season, with his only goal coming against Southampton in the third round of the Carabao Cup two months ago. The Sweden international hasn't found the net since, but Gerrard has tipped him to break his duck in the coming weeks.
Speaking on TNT Sports following a humiliating defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, the Liverpool legend claimed that Isak looks 'rusty'. Gerrard said: "We have to get Isak up to speed, he's going to be a very important player this season.
"They need to get minutes into him. Nottingham Forest, there was no space for Isak; he was thriving on no service, so I felt sorry for him. He worked his socks off. You can see clearly that he needs game time; he looks rusty compared to his Newcastle form."
Hugo Ekitike, who Liverpool also signed in the summer, was forced to come off during the defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on Wednesday night. The 23-year-old striker appeared to have suffered a knock, and he was replaced by Isak on the hour mark.
As it stands, the severity of his injury remains to be seen, with further tests and examinations expected to take place. In the potential absence of Ekitike, Isak could have a free run in the starting lineup - something Gerrard thinks he desperately needs to get firing again.
Alexander Isak looks dejected during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Isak has had a difficult start to life at Liverpool (Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)
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"If you have an injury or miss a period, you can't switch it on like a light," continued Gerrard. "He's going to be doing extra work. He needs game time, minutes. Isak will produce for this club in the medium and long term; we have to be patient.
"There will be a moment, game, time, where he'll feel better, score a worldie, solo goal – something will click and fall into place, he'll arrive to Liverpool, I'm very confident."
Unfortunately for the Reds and Isak, that was not the case on Wednesday as the Swede was largely anonymous when he came on after the break as Liverpool were put to the sword by PSV.
Gerrard also suggested that Liverpool may need to sign a couple more players in the January transfer window in order to help the most expensive signing in British history find his feet.
Hugo Ekitike's injury could present Isak with the opportunity he needs to get up to speed
Hugo Ekitike's injury could present Isak with the opportunity he needs to get up to speed
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The Reds, who forked out nearly half a billion pounds in the summer, were also told by the club icon that Marc Guehi would 'walk' into Slot's team and would have been a 'great' signing.
He added: " It might take tweaking in January to get more balance in the squad, but they need to be manned an extra 10 or 15 per cent to get the consistency.
"There's been three international breaks, it breaks up the rhythm, he's had a niggle as well so he needs a little bit more time."