LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Despite scoring, Alexander Isak cut an isolated figure for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest and broke an unwanted record in the process.
Isak is yet to get going at Liverpool a year after arriving from Newcastle.
Injuries, a lack of fitness and the poor form of the team have held him back, but more than anything, it has been his inability to link up with teammates that has been a worry.
The No. 9 did score his fifth for the club Saturday. However, he still struggled to make an impact on the match.
In fact, Opta tells us Isak had just 13 touches against Forest.
That tally of 13 is the fewest by a Liverpool player to play 90 minutes in a Premier League match on record since 2003/04.
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 22, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 22, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The previous lowest was from fellow striker Darwin Nunez, who twice had just 20 touches, against Arsenal and Everton in 2022 and 2024 respectively.
Alexander Isak’s lack of impact at Liverpool
This isn’t the first time he has struggled to get involved – it was a common pattern throughout last season.
Liverpool haven’t yet worked out how to get the best from their centre-forward, who cost £125 million thanks to his lively performances at Newcastle that were complemented by sharp finishes.
Alexander Isak — Average Per Premier League Game
||||
Stat Newcastle Liverpool
Touches 35.5 22.5
Passes 20.4 10.8
Shots 3.1 2.5
Touches in opp. box 6.5 4.2
* Stats from Match of the Day.
At Newcastle, Isak averaged 35.5 touches per game in the Premier League. At Liverpool, that figure has dropped to 22.5.
The same downward trend can be observed with regard to his passes, shots and touches in the opposition box.
Alexander Isak has “no doubt that the results will come”
“We started the game pretty bad today.” ?
Alexander Isak gives his assessment of Liverpool’s performance at Anfield.
?? @jules_breach | ? TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/3wD0hplmQ6
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 29, 2026
Despite Liverpool drawing their first two matches, Isak is optimistic about the season ahead.
“It’s been good,” the Swede said of working with his new coach, Andoni Iraola.
“There’s always time to get used to a new playing style and a new manager, but we are really working hard to try to play the game he wants us to play.
“And I think when we start doing that better, I have no doubt that the results will come.”
While Isak insisted he hasn’t set any personal targets for the campaign, he did say that scoring goals “is the job ultimately as a striker,” adding: “I’m very happy to score the first one and hopefully it just keeps coming.”
Isak isn’t looking sharp at the moment, but the last week has seen him complete 90 minutes for the first time at Liverpool – and he has done it twice.
Hopefully, the performances follow.
Mac Allister screenshot
Mac Allister screenshot
Football – FA Premier League – Bournemouth AFC v Liverpool FC
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 24, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo arrives before the FA Premier League match between Bournemouth AFC and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 28, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister walks out with a mascot before the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Qarabag FK at Anfield. Liverpool won 6-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)