Steven Gerrard has endorsed Alexander Isak to become a "very important" player for Liverpool.
Isak, whom the Reds signed from Newcastle in the summer, has struggled to establish himself as a key player in Arne Slot's side. The 26-year-old has appeared 10 times for Liverpool across all competitions this season, with his only goal coming against Southampton in the third round of the Carabao Cup two months ago.
The Swede hasn't found the net since, but Gerrard has predicted him to break his duck in the coming weeks. Speaking on TNT Sports following a humiliating defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, the Liverpool legend stated that Isak appears "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."
Ekitike, who Liverpool also signed in the summer, was forced to come off during the defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on Wednesday. The 23-year-old striker seemed to have sustained a knock, and he was substituted by Isak on the hour mark.
Alexander Isak has had a difficult start to life at Liverpool
Alexander Isak has had a difficult start to life at Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
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.
"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."
Regrettably for the Reds and Isak, that wasn't the situation on Wednesday as the Sweden international was largely invisible when he entered the fray after the interval as Liverpool was demolished by PSV.
Gerrard also hinted that Liverpool may require a couple of additional signings in the January transfer window to assist the club's most expensive acquisition in British history to settle in properly.
The Reds, who splashed out around $600 million during the summer, were also informed by the Anfield legend that Marc Guehi would "walk" into Slot's side and would have represented a "great" acquisition.
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 percent 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."