Liverpool needs to get the most out of Alexander Isak next season and Andoni Iraola should be encouraged by what he has seen so far at the World Cup, even with mixed Swedish results
19:22, 20 Jun 2026Updated 19:30, 20 Jun 2026
Alexander Isak during the Netherlands vs Sweden at the World Cup.
Alexander Isak during the Netherlands vs Sweden at the World Cup.(Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak, Graham Potter had said in the build-up to Sweden playing the Netherlands, was getting back to his sharpest again after a disjointed first season at Liverpool.
And certainly, the 26-year-old has looked pretty lively in the World Cup so far. On matchday one, he picked up a goal and a couple of assists against Tunisia, and then Isak looked pretty good against Virgil van Dijk too a few days later, albeit in a heavy defeat.
"Isak is class," Daniel Sturridge posted on social media. "Every time Sweden look dangerous, he’s involved. Deserves a goal or assist. Not bad off the left either. Safe to say he’s getting back to his best."
In the second half, Isak gave the ball away for one of Cody Gakpo's two goals, with Sweden's defense unable to cope with the Liverpool winger.
But he also got a brilliant assist for Anthony Elanga to pull one back shortly after, sending through the former Manchester United man with a perfect pass.
Ahead of the game with the Dutch in Houston, Texas, Sweden boss Potter was asked if Isak having missed so much of the club season could make him fresher for the World Cup.
GUADALUPE, MEXICO - JUNE 14: Alexander Isak #9 of Sweden leaves the pitch after the team's 5-1 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Sweden and Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has made a superb start to this summer's World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Ex-West Ham and Chelsea boss Potter replied: "I think you have to take every player and assess them in their own way.
"Like you said, there’s a different game load for every player. Alex has had a season that has been interrupted.
"Most footballers would probably say they need a certain amount of time and games to get up to top, top level, so we’ve had to try to build Alex up.
"I think there’s more to come from him. He’s not at that place where he’s at his absolute maximum, but obviously with the quality he has and the type of player he is, he can still influence the game.
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"I think he’ll get stronger and stronger as the tournament goes and that’s where our work is, to try and help him get stronger and stronger, better and better.
"If he’s enjoying his football, that’s the most important thing I think with Alex. I think he likes being in the team, he likes being with the players, he likes being part of the national team.
"He enjoys it, he plays with a smile on his face, and if we do that then he’s fantastic."