Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are both in need of a comeback season after completing blockbuster moves to Liverpool last summer, and Robbie Fowler wants both to start fast
07:00, 29 Jul 2026
Robbie Fowler is hopeful that Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak kick on next season
Robbie Fowler is hopeful that Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak kick on next season
Liverpool is heading into a new era under Andoni Iraola, and former star Robbie Fowler hopes that Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak can step up in their second season to make life much easier for the new head coach.
Wirtz and Isak were the high-profile signings last summer, with Liverpool breaking the British transfer record twice within the same window. Both players were absent for Liverpool's 4-2 win over Sunderland to kick off the U.S. preseason tour, but have since linked up with the team.
Iraola has already revealed his first impressions of both players, and they will be key to Liverpool's success on the field next season. Wirtz and Isak were underwhelming last season, and Fowler is hopeful that the 2026-27 campaign will see both players flourish.
Wirtz made 45 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions last season, scoring six goals and providing seven assists. However, fans expected more from the German, who cost over $130 million, but he has been backed for a breakout second season.
After breaking the British transfer record to sign Wirtz, Liverpool then paid Newcastle $166 million to sign Isak. The Swedish striker ensured an injury-ridden campaign, scoring four goals across 22 appearances but barely completing a 90-minute match.
Isak competed at the FIFA World Cup this summer, and Liverpool fans will hope that he can stay fit next season. In an exclusive interview with Liverpool.com, legendary striker Fowler also expressed his desire for Isak to rediscover the form he displayed at Newcastle.
Robbie Fowler spoke to Liverpool.com in New York City
Robbie Fowler spoke to Liverpool.com in New York City(Image: Liverpool.com)
"I want him to hit the ground running," Fowler said. "I like him as a player. He’s an exciting player, scores goals, and he’s got real attributes of being a great No. 9 for Liverpool.
"For whatever reason, he probably wasn’t as fit as he’d like when he turned up for Liverpool. When we probably were about to see the best of him, he got injured. That was unfortunate.
"I’m a little bit tentative in terms of the preseason. I want him to have a great preseason behind him, as it’s important as a striker to get your fitness and your sharpness as quickly as you can. That’s why I’m delighted to see him where he is now, being here for the end or middle of preseason.
Isak had a disappointing first season at Liverpool due to fitness issues
Isak had a disappointing first season at Liverpool due to fitness issues(Image: Gareth Copley, Getty Images)
"He probably needs it to be the player we want to see. I think he’s a wonderful player, wonderful striker who will score goals. We witnessed that at Newcastle, the number of goals and games he changed by his performances. We want to see that with Liverpool."
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Then, Fowler spoke about Wirtz heading into the new season, admitting that the German wasn't at the top of his game last year. "He’s a wonderful player and we probably didn’t see the best version of him last year, if I’m being totally honest," Fowler said.
"There’s many attributes you can say about Florian Wirtz. He’s technically brilliant, he’s a clever player. But at times he probably… struggled is the wrong word, never adapted to the Premier League as quick as what we would have liked.
"He’s a tremendous player, we’ve seen him for two years under Xabi Alonso how technically brilliant he was. If you’ve got a fit and firing Alexander Isak, there’s probably no better player behind him or across from him, he can deliver through balls, put passes on a plate for Isak to score goals. Let’s hope they’re the players we want to see."