One statistic from Liverpool’s pre-season defeat to Leeds United may have gone under the radar, but it could prove hugely significant for the season ahead.
Alexander Isak had 17 touches in just 45 minutes.
To put that into context, he averaged around 20 touches per 90 minutes across his final three league starts last season.
That is a remarkable difference.
And it may be one of the clearest signs yet that Andoni Iraola intends to get Liverpool’s £125 million striker much more involved.
A Centre-Forward Shouldn’t Be Invisible
Last season, one criticism of Liverpool’s attack was that Isak often became isolated.
There were games where he barely touched the ball, spending long periods waiting for service that simply never arrived.
When your most expensive player is only getting around 20 touches over an entire match, something clearly isn’t working.
World-class strikers influence games.
To do that, they need to be involved.
Iraola’s System Could Suit Him Perfectly
One thing already noticeable under Iraola is the desire to involve the centre-forward much earlier in attacks.
Rather than asking Isak to simply stay between the centre-backs, Liverpool appear keen to:
● Play into his feet more often
● Let him link play
● Encourage him to drift into space
● Use his movement to create opportunities for others
That naturally leads to more touches—and more influence.
Isak Offers So Much More Than Goals
People often think of Isak as purely a goalscorer.
He is much more than that.
His technical ability allows him to:
● Hold the ball under pressure
● Bring team-mates into play
● Carry possession forward
● Create chances as well as finish them
The more often Liverpool can get him involved, the more dangerous they become.
Wirtz Could Be the Key
Having Florian Wirtz playing behind Isak should also increase those numbers.
Wirtz thrives on finding clever passes into attacking players.
If the German can regularly receive possession between the lines, Isak’s movement becomes one of Liverpool’s biggest weapons.
The understanding between those two could become one of the defining partnerships of the season.
A Very Encouraging Sign
Of course, one pre-season match should never be overanalysed.
But this statistic is encouraging.
It suggests Liverpool are actively trying to build their attacks around Isak rather than leaving him isolated.
That is exactly what supporters wanted to see.
More Involvement Means More Goals
The equation is simple.
The more often Alexander Isak touches the ball in dangerous areas, the greater Liverpool’s chances of scoring.
He’s too talented to spend matches watching the game pass him by.
If Iraola can consistently increase Isak’s involvement while maintaining Liverpool’s attacking intensity, the Reds may finally unlock the full potential of one of the Premier League’s finest forwards.
And for Liverpool supporters, that is an exciting prospect.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
### _Related_