Florian Wirtz has said he was delighted for Alexander Isak after the Liverpool striker managed to score his first Premier League goal for the club in last week’s win over West Ham United.
The striker netted just after the hour mark at the London Stadium as he coolly steered the ball past Alphonse Areola in the home goal. It glossed over what had been an underwhelming display up until that point, but it could prove to be a confidence-boosting moment for Isak.
It also set Liverpool on course to end its dismal losing run, with Cody Gakpo then netting a second goal in injury-time to wrap up all three points.
Wirtz was named player of the match against West Ham and said he was thrilled for Isak, in an interview with club media ahead of the Sunderland match.
"I'm really happy for him. He's a very, very good player and a very good goalscorer. So, I hope it's the first of many, and I'm really happy for him.”
Wirtz is not the only Liverpool player to express his delight that Isak netted his maiden Premier League goal for the club.
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 on November 30, 2025 in London, England.
Alexander Isak opened his Premier League account for Liverpool against West Ham. (Image: Izzy Poles - AMA/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk praised the former Newcastle United frontman in his pre-Sunderland program notes.
“It was great to see Alexander Isak score his first Premier League goal for the club,” wrote the Liverpool skipper.
“Alex has not had the easiest time since joining, as I’m sure he would tell you himself, but he has been working extremely hard behind the scenes, and we know the quality he possesses.
“He is a clinical finisher, and hopefully that was the first of many league goals in a Liverpool shirt.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 9: Alexander Isak of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Isak could be rested for the Premier League encounter against Sunderland (Image: Getty Images)
Isak could start against Sunderland in midweek, and should expect a hostile reception from the away section, given his previous links to the north east.
But Slot intimated that he may rest the 26-year-old in the midst of three games in seven days.
“For Alex [Isak] to score his first goal was also very positive. Also a player who could not have played five to 10 minutes more than he played because he told me yesterday that he felt a little bit of cramp coming up already,” said the Liverpool head coach.
“He’s another player we should see how he does when he trains today.”
Slot added he will make a decision on whether to start Isak after Tuesday’s training session, but claimed the player would not be in a position to play three consecutive 90-minute games.