Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted that Alexander Isak has found it tough since joining the Reds. However, the Dutchman remains optimistic about the team's prospects if they copy the attitude of Joe Gomez. The reigning Premier League champions had suffered nine losses in 12 games before Sunday's victory over West Ham, where Isak scored his first league goal before Cody Gakpo added another in stoppage time.
The result was warmly received by Liverpool fans and Van Dijk praised Isak's contribution following his big-money move from Newcastle United. In his programme notes for Wednesday's match against Sunderland, Van Dijk wrote: "We know that things haven't been so good for us recently, but Sunday was extremely welcome, in terms of both the result and the performance.
"It was great to see Alexander Isak score his first Premier League goal for the club.
"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."
Van Dijk also took the opportunity to commend the performance of Joe Gomez, who stepped into the team at right-back against West Ham.
It marked his first Premier League start since the 5-0 victory over the same opponents in late December last year.
"I'd also like to mention Joe Gomez, on what was his first league start of the season," continued Van Dijk.
"I have said many times previously that in order to be successful, we are going to need everybody to be ready to play their part, whether it's from the start or off the bench. I thought Joey was outstanding on the day, so big credit to him."
Liverpool will be hoping to maintain their winning form against Sunderland, who have shocked everybody with their fast start to life back in the Premier League.
Arne Slot is expecting a tough test against the Black Cats, saying on Tuesday: "A big compliment for their manager because they brought in a lot of new players and they started off so well.
"I saw the game Chelsea against Arsenal on our way back home [from West Ham]. It was a very high standard game, two teams that were fighting each other and working so hard [with] all the players on the pitch.
"Then I was aware of the fact that Sunderland was the team that beat Chelsea in their stadium and had a draw against Arsenal.
"You can look at the league table by looking at how good they have done until now but after that game, knowing that Sunderland is a team that beat Chelsea and had a draw against Arsenal tells you how strong they must be."