Alexander Isak's quality was on show as he scored in Liverpool's preseason defeat to Monaco, with fans hoping that the striker can start to justify his huge price tag
Alexander Isak scored his first goal of the summer for Liverpool against Monaco
Alexander Isak scored his first goal of the summer for Liverpool against Monaco(Image: Getty Images)
After a frustrating first year, Liverpool fans will be hoping they’ve just seen the start of Alexander Isak proving his worth to the club.
The striker was on target as he opened the scoring in the Reds’ 3-2 preseason defeat to Monaco on Sunday, while he was also involved in the second, with Florian Wirtz seemingly getting the all-important final touch during a goalmouth scramble.
Despite the defeat — and the way in which Liverpool collapsed again after making changes — the first-half performance will have encouraged Andoni Iraola, and in particular Isak’s finish should get the new Liverpool head coach excited.
The Sweden international took his chance superbly after good work in the build-up from Ryan Gravenberch. Having taken a pass from the midfielder with his first touch, Isak slotted the ball home from the edge of the area with his second, displaying the sort of composure that became a regular feature of his time at Newcastle.
It was enough to get fans purring, and hoping that, after an injury-ravaged first season at Anfield, the 26-year-old can start to justify his $168 million (£125M) price tag.
“More like it from Isak. Instinctive finish. Need a lot more of that this season,” one fan wrote on social media.
Alexander Isak scores for Liverpool against Monaco
Alexander Isak scores for Liverpool against Monaco(Image: Getty Images)
Another commented: “There were actual people in this fanbase that doubted Isak. You all need to hang your heads in shame. World class striker that needed a pre season like this one. Easily breaking 20 league goals this season.”
“What a shock create chances for Isak and keep him in the box and he scores,” one supporter posted.
Meanwhile, another said: “Genuinely hate the like a new signing thing but Isak genuinely is.”
Isak looks to be heading into the new season with the No. 9 position firmly in his possession, with Hugo Ekitike not expected to return from his Achilles injury until at least December.
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Having missed out on a pre-season amid his transfer standoff at his former club, the forward will be hoping things pan out differently for him in the 2026/27 campaign, with the early signs promising this summer.
“I feel good, I feel good,” Isak told LFCTV after the defeat to Monaco.
“Every game hopefully should take me to a better fitness level, so that's what I'm working towards. I think today felt better than [the] last game and hopefully the next game feels better than today. That's what pre-season is for – building – and that's what we have to keep doing.”
Asked what it’s like working under Iraola, Isak added: “Really good. I feel like the spirit is good in the group and we're all working hard to make things work. We're going to make sure that we're ready for the start.”