Erling Haaland showed the value of a world-class striker as Norway knocked Brazil out of the World Cup, but Liverpool has a top number nine of its own who needs unlocking
04:00, 06 Jul 2026
Erling Haaland caused an upset as Norway knocked Brazil out of the World Cup.
Erling Haaland caused an upset as Norway knocked Brazil out of the World Cup.(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
Alisson Becker could only do so much to stop Erling Haaland. The Liverpool goalkeeper made some top saves against Norway, but the Manchester City man produced a World Cup performance for the ages.
This Brazil team is a shadow of its former glory, but it still has Vinicius Jr and various other big names. None, though, could match the sheer power and inevitability of Haaland, who was more than comfortable carrying a nation's hopes on his shoulders.
Next season, as Liverpool looks to compete with Manchester City once again — this time without Pep Guardiola — it is Haaland who will be the leading light at club level too. Fortunately for Andoni Iraola, he has his own version lying in waiting.
Though it is true that Haaland's relentless scoring feats are underrated as a result of them being so normal and often with brutal clinicalness rather than particular flair, Liverpool has a number nine of elite caliber who shouldn't be overlooked too.
Twenty-six-year-old Alexander Isak was unable to carry Sweden as far as Haaland has taken Norway at the World Cup, but that was through no fault of his own.
Norway has other top players, including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, and could bring Andreas Schelderup and Oscar Bobb, who both made a telling difference, off the bench in the second half.
Sweden's forward #09 Alexander Isak kicks the ball past France's defender #17 William Saliba during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between France and Sweden at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on June 30, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)(Image: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
While Isak doesn't have that same support under Graham Potter, that is what Iraola must build at Anfield if the Spaniard is to be a success after arriving from Bournemouth.
Quite simply, his $169 million (£125 million) striker will be the key determinant to Liverpool's success next term, just like Haaland.
Even with Victor Munoz coming in, more additions are required to bolster the Liverpool forward line. Florian Wirtz, who had a disappointing World Cup with Germany, will need to step up too.
But if Isak A) stays fit and B) is fed with proper regularity next season, then there is no reason that he cannot be the focal point that Liverpool thought it was getting when the Newcastle exit saga came to an end last September.
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Haaland remains underestimated by opponents — Brazil, for instance, left plenty of space for him to work in — and he was too hot to handle as a result.
In the Mohamed Salah-less Liverpool team that takes to the field next season, Isak will need to be similarly devastating when it comes to finishing the chances that his teammates create.
If he is to justify the huge price tag that Liverpool shelled out on him 12 months ago and take on the Salah mantle, it will have to fall into place pretty quickly.