Liverpool supporters keeping a close eye on the World Cup have been handed a massive boost ahead of Sweden’s crunch showdown with Japan on Thursday night.
Alexander Isak has dismissed any lingering fears over his fitness, declaring himself “very good” as he prepares to lead the line in a defining Group F fixture.
For the Anfield faithful, any hint of a fitness issue surrounding the club’s No.9 was always bound to grab attention. Isak arrived on Merseyside last year under a cloud of frustration after skipping pre-season to force through a move from Newcastle United.
A difficult debut campaign followed; plagued by a succession of frustrating setbacks compounded by a fractured fibula in December Isak was restricted to just 14 Premier League appearances and three goals as Liverpool endured a disappointing, failed attempt to retain their Premier League title and instead it went to rivals Arsenal.
From a purely Liverpool perspective, decision-makers at the club would have arguably preferred several of their World Cup participants to have enjoyed a summer off from football to recuperate.
However, Isak’s presence on the global stage with Sweden can only be deemed a positive. His recent performances are proving highly promising for what Andoni Iraola can expect at Anfield next season, offering a glimpse of the elite operator the Reds shelled out massive money for.
Reports last week suggested the 26-year-old was training separately from the main group during parts of Sweden’s preparation, sparking immediate panic. But speaking to the Swedish press, as quoted by the Sweden Herald, Isak was quick to alleviate those concerns.
“Now I feel good, very good,” Isak insisted. “But it’s hard to put your finger on what your maximum is, you never know. But I have nothing to complain about right now when it comes to my physical status.”
The striker has looked a completely different animal on international duty, scoring his first-ever World Cup goal during a thumping 5-1 rout of Tunisia on matchday one a game in which he produced a masterclass with two goals and an assist.
Despite the intense scrutiny regarding his club future and his recovery, Isak maintained that his sole focus remains locked on delivering for his country on his first appearance at a World Cup finals, whilst also ensuring he gives a proud nod to his family roots.
“Club team and national team are two very separate things. When I joined the national team, I had absolutely no thoughts about anything other than Sweden and the World Cup,” Isak explained.
“It’s clear that it’s nice to have a good World Cup, and you want to do it even better all the time. I feel like I’m in a good place now. And hopefully I can continue to do well.”
The tactical blueprint for Iraola?
Sweden’s hopes of progressing to the round of 32 remain delicately balanced. Graham Potter’s side currently sit third in Group F on three points, having swiftly been given a taste of their own medicine on match-day two when they were dismantled 5-1 by the Netherlands the Scandinavians heaviest World Cup defeat since the 1958 final.
A single point against Japan at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will almost certainly be enough to secure passage as one of the eight best third-place finishers. Defeat, however, would leave them on three points with a negative goal difference, leaving their fate entirely in the hands of others.
If Sweden are to take a massive step toward the knockout rounds, Potter knows he must unleash his finest attacking weapons. The Englishman has successfully deployed a traditional 4-4-2 system to accommodate both Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, a partnership that has blossomed into one of the most potent duos at the tournament.
Interestingly, Isak has thrived in a slightly modified role under Potter, dropping deeper to link play a tactical tweak that incoming Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola will surely be studying closely.
“It’s felt good. It’s worked well in the matches,” Isak said of his partnership with Gyokeres. “It’s clear that you’re a bit more of a playmaker, playing others forward instead of being the one making the deep runs yourself. But I’m enjoying it there.
“We are two talented players who want the best for the team. We get along really well, just like the whole team.”
For now, the Reds’ hierarchy will simply watch on from afar, praying their star forward translates this current sharpness and confidence into a match-winning display against the Samurai Blue and returns to the AXA Training Centre completely injury-free.