Alexander Isak has cut a fairly low-key figure at Liverpool this season despite being involved in such a high profile transfer saga over the summer.
Rather than come in all guns blazing, the Swede has quietly got on with things after breaking the British transfer record.
As a result of his lack of goals and Liverpool‘s general dismal form, it has been tricky for supporters to relate to Isak since his arrival.
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Liverpool fans show their appreciation for Alexander Isak
Scoring a first Premier League goal for the Reds against West Ham this weekend should help with that, as fans pray that Isak has finally started to find his feet.
In terms of how the Liverpool squad have taken to their new No. 9, Alexis Mac Allister has also now given an insight into a burgeoning friendship between the pair.
Alexis Mac Allister finds a new Spanish-speaking friend
One theory as to why Mac Allister has looked off the pace at Liverpool this season is that he is missing his two of his closest friends: Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz who were both sold last summer.
Speaking in quotes via ESPN after Sunday’s win, though, the Argentine revealed that he has actually found a new Spanish-speaking friend in Isak.
Alexander Isak of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-1 during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
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Mac Allister also shared that he has been joking with Isak about his apparent lack of enjoyment when scoring.
“Really happy for him,” Mac Allister said. “I think he’s an amazing player, we all know that. I was joking with him because he doesn’t even smile when he scores.
“I’m really happy because he deserves it, the same for Florian [Wirtz]. I think he had a really good game. He played really good. So it’s important that they’re getting to their level.
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Mohamed Salah of Liverpool warms up during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
“[Isak] is very quiet. He likes to be on his own sometimes. You can see that I just try to speak to him because his Spanish is quite good as well. But yeah, he’s a quiet guy and we are all happy to have him here.”
Isak finally ready to show his best self
It can be hard for any character to adjust after making the step up to playing for Liverpool. But as a quiet person, it may be doubly as difficult for Isak.
With the spotlight so massively on him, there is a possibility that the 26-year-old has retreated into himself a little bit which could have contributed to his lack of form.
That is why Sunday could end up being such a huge moment for Isak personally. That first Premier League goal will be such a weight off his shoulders and will help his teammates see him properly as a Liverpool player as well.
Isak will be itching to go again when Sunderland come to Anfield on Wednesday, and if he can find the net again he could start to build up a head of steam.
It feels like a crucial point in the former Newcastle striker’s Liverpool career, and with the likes of Mac Allister constantly supporting him, it feels like he’s well placed to tip the balance the right way.
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