Alexander Isak returns to Newcastle United this evening having failed to justify his £125million Liverpool price tag.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has challenged Alexander Isak to stay fit on the eve of his Newcastle United return.
An emotional occasion at St James’ Park will see the Magpies and Liverpool come together before the game to honour the late Kevin Keegan. However, once the first whistle blows, vitriol will undoubtedly be aimed towards former Toon hero Isak.
The Swede burned all bridges on Tyneside 12 months ago to force through a British record move to Liverpool. A bear pit awaits on the opening day of the season as Isak returns to Newcastle for the first time.
He will be eager to make his mark at Anfield following an injury-ravaged debut campaign. More setbacks - including a broken leg - than Premier League goals means the detested former Newcastle man is yet to justify his Liverpool transfer.
‘Massive season’ - Andoni Iraola
"I think it is a massive season for Alexander," Iraola told reporters before the Premier League opener. "He knows at the end it is (about) two things. The first is availability, and without availability we cannot have the second thing, which is the performance level.
"But I think this has to be the first aim for us, to keep him in a good place in terms of being available. I’m sure if we manage to do this he will perform well because he has been very good during the pre-season. If we can keep him at a good level he will score his goals and he will be a threat. I have no doubts about his level.”
Can Alexander Isak still press?
Isak led the press in Eddie Howe’s side that won secured two Champions League qualifications and won the Carabao Cup. Questions have been raised about whether the persistent muscle injuries and leg break will change his style of play.
"I think he’s quite a unique No.9 in terms of he can come to receive and be technically very clean… and he can also be very good attacking the space,” Iraola added when asked about Isak’s ability. “Sometimes you get one thing or the other, like a player who comes to link up play and sets the others or a player who is just quick and attacks the spaces, but he can do both.
"Also, my biggest fight (in pre-season) has been about our press, how to position, how to help the players that he has behind. I think he is willing to do it and to understand. He is improving with every friendly we’ve played."