Alexander Isak is off the mark in the Premier League for Liverpool, and there is still more to come from the $169 million man after his record-breaking transfer move in the summer.
Scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win over West Ham over the weekend, Isak made a telling difference in the second half and helped his side earn all three points. Liverpool is now in a much healthier position in the standings, eighth and only three points off third-placed Chelsea.
"They were crying out for a piece of quality, and Isak produced that piece of quality in terms of that finish," Alan Shearer told the Rest is Football podcast.
When asked directly by Gary Lineker if he was happy for Isak, Shearer replied: "Yeah, that’s gone. It is gone," indicating he is over the way that Isak forced his way out of Newcastle a few months ago.
Shearer added: "You will have seen Match of the Day by the time this comes out. I do think there were little signs that they are going to have to get used to him and also play earlier balls into him, because a lot of what Alex does is off the cuff.
"I know a lot of it was balls in behind, but also it is off the cuff and spontaneous. Not just for him, but any striker — you have got to get the ball into the box early when you have got the opportunity to do it.
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Alexander Isak of Liverpool celebrates with Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on November 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak shakes hands with Arne Slot after coming off in Liverpool's vital 2-0 victory at West Ham United (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
"To get the best out of him, you have got to do that, and when they did it, his half-volley finish was class. A fantastic finish, and that was the bit of quality that Liverpool needed.
"I don’t think it mattered about performance for Liverpool; Arne Slot had to make a couple of big decisions, and he did. He left Mo Salah out, and he had to win the game, and I think with him winning it and Isak scoring, you would think it would give them a little bit of belief and confidence.
"I think they have got Sunderland at home next game; they are going really well, but it is at Anfield, and it was just about winning today, but I thought West Ham were poor and offered very little. I don’t think they had one shot on target all game."
Hugo Ekitike was fit enough to make the bench at West Ham, and he will be pushing for another start soon, but Isak could do with the minutes to continue building up his fitness.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Liverpool FC 2025/26 kits
"I'm aware that it has been a long time coming, and I have been trying to get back to my best form," he said post-match on Sunday. "I'm still on the way, but I am happy to get that goal.
"The best feeling today is that we win the game, and that is the best way to get a good spirit in the group, but of course I am a striker, so scoring goals will always help me.
"We have to use this win in a good way but also be humble. We have to stay focused and keep working hard to keep this momentum.
"We knew it was going to be difficult to get back to winning ways after our recent form. Happy that we won and happy to be on the scoresheet as well."
Liverpool.com says: Isak is already Premier League-proven, so when he gets up to speed, his quality will shine through. Like Florian Wirtz, it is almost certainly only a matter of time.