Alan Shearer has delivered his verdict on Alexander Isak's performance for Liverpool against Newcastle United on Sunday and delivered a new warning to the Reds
Alexander Isak in action for Liverpool against Newcastle United
Alexander Isak in action for Liverpool against Newcastle United(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Alexander Isak has struggled at Liverpool because they do not play to his strengths. That's the opinion of former Newcastle United forward Alan Shearer, who has warned the Reds that Isak won't improve unless they change their style of football to suit his game.
Isak, 26, joined Liverpool in a club record £130million move from Newcastle last summer. Despite a bright start to life at Anfield, Isak's form has been inconsistent. Indeed, he found the net just four times in 22 appearances across all competitions, though he did spent more than three months out with a leg injury.
The Sweden international started Liverpool's season-opener at Newcastle on Sunday, and although he looked sharp, it seemed as though he lacked real service and was often isolated as the lone centre forward.
Now, Shearer has delivered his verdict on Isak's performance against Newcastle and believes Liverpool need to start playing to his strengths if they want to get the best out of hm.
"I look at when he was brilliant at Newcastle, and how you got the best out of him was early balls in behind or in from behind," Shearer said. "I don't see Liverpool doing that. I guess they will have to change a little bit.
"It certainly hasn't worked with [Florian] Wirtz and him, they've paid a fortune for both players.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Alexander Isak of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on August 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak during Liverpool's draw at Newcastle(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"I look at Alex and when he was brilliant at Newcastle, it was them playing early ball from midfielders in behind and wingers out wide early. I don't see that at Liverpool as yet. It's a bit of both. He had a serious injury last season but those two are going to have to do miles better if Liverpool are going to get into the top four."
Isak was given a frosty welcome on his return to St. James' Park on Sunday as he was booed and jeered after leaving the Liverpool team bus and entering the stadium. That fierce reception carried on throughout the game, with the Swede booed and every mistake or tackle on him cheered.
The Reds ended up drawing the match 2-2 with Isak not stepping up to take a late penalty as Dominik Szoboszlai slammed home a stoppage-time leveller instead.