Alexander Isak has been in fine form for Sweden at the World Cup, and Phil Thompson and Sam Allardyce believe the Liverpool striker will benefit from the competition ahead of next season
Mark Jones Liverpool Content Editor - Sport
11:37, 17 Jun 2026Updated 11:55, 17 Jun 2026
Alexander Isak has made a good start to the World Cup
Alexander Isak has made a good start to the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Alexander Isak's exploits at the World Cup will benefit Liverpool, as the striker is rediscovering his form.
This is the assessment of legendary Reds defender Phil Thompson and seasoned Premier League manager Sam Allardyce, who both reckon that Isak will gain from representing Sweden at the World Cup this summer. Isak demonstrated his clinical best during Sweden's 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia in the country's tournament opener in Monterrey on Sunday, netting once and laying on two assists.
The ex-Newcastle striker entered the competition following an impressive goal in a friendly against Norway, with his performances a stark contrast to the four goals he managed in 22 Reds outings during an injury-plagued maiden campaign.
Such form drew considerable criticism, yet Thompson reckons this was excessive given the injury setbacks Isak endured, including a leg fracture while scoring against Tottenham in December.
Speaking on the BOYLE Sports and Footy Accumulators ' podcast, No Tippy Tappy Football, Thompson and Allardyce discussed Isak. "He needs to play football matches – he's not played!" Thompson said.
"Because he had controversy last pre-season, he never got a pre-season. Sam will tell you. If you don't have that under your belt, then you come back, and you're playing catch-up.
Isak is aiming to have a big second season at Liverpool
Isak is aiming to have a big second season at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"Then you're trying to be bit-fed into the side, because everyone wants to see him, but you can't [play him], and then you risk injury.
"He comes back, he gets an injury, then against Spurs, he gets a broken leg. And all of this intertwines, so you're not fully fit.
"He's not had enough games. You can see that. People writing him off is like... come on. Give the boy a chance. He's never been fit enough."
Allardyce concurred that Isak requires regular game time to find his rhythm and is confident the striker can make a significant impression at Liverpool during his second campaign.
"The World Cup's a good thing for him. If he plays every game, that's good for Liverpool, as it gives him some catch-up time against the rest," said the former Everton and one-time England boss.
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"He can really benefit from the games, because he's not tired. He's not fatigued, as he hasn't done anything this season because of [the injuries].
"It'll be a good thing if he plays all the games and how far they go, then it links into pre-season with Liverpool and then he could be a major force next season."
Isak will face several familiar figures when Sweden squares off against Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo's Netherlands side in the upcoming World Cup fixture in Houston, Texas, on Saturday.