Alexander Isak endured a tough start to his life as a Liverpool player with injury curtailing the majority of last season - but the striker showed exactly what he can do against Ipswich on Friday
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak has sent a message to Liverpool's fans
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Alexander Isak was spotted fist-pumping as loyal Liverpool supporters sang his name during a 2-0 masterclass over Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Friday evening. The Swedish striker was all smiles at Portman Road after bagging a brace within the space of nine minutes as the Reds cruised to a comfortable win.
Cody Gakpo found Isak breaking through the Tractor Boys' backline just six minutes in, with Isak firing past Kjell Scherpen with venom at his near post. Just three minutes later, and the 26-year-old was back on the scoresheet.
Gakpo once more the provider, the Dutchman finessed a ball to his team-mate from his own half with Isak latching on, turning Jacob Greaves inside-out and slotting coolly home to make it 2-0. It didn't take travelling Reds fans long to share their admiration of Isak, chanting: "Isak's a Red, Ole, Ole," in the stands.
A video uploaded to social media saw Isak reciprocating the feeling of adoration, as he faced the away support and pumped his first in a showing of solidarity. Meanwhile, the Stockholm-born talent was quick to thank fans for their support after securing the win.
Not only did Isak walk over to fans and applaud them in the aftermath, but the Player of the Match recipient was also vocally ecstatic with the support during his post-game interview with Sky Sports. He said: "The support was unreal today and very much appreciated."
It comes as Isak appears to finally be living up to his £125million price tag in 2026/27, following a harsh first season at Anfield. The forward was embroiled in the biggest transfer saga of last summer, as he finally secured a move from Newcastle United to Liverpool, following a summer of unrest at St James' Park.
However, Isak's first term on Merseyside was far from straightforward. Having missed pre-season with Newcastle as a result of his choices, instead, opting to train at former club Real Sociedad, the marksman struggled to meet the pace of the Premier League.
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Disaster further struck in December, when Isak sustained a season-disrupting leg fracture during the Reds' 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, which kept him sidelined for 24 combined matches for club and country.
Having returned in April, Isak struggled to build momentum, as he ended the season with just three goals and a single assist from 14 total appearances.
This term, it has taken the forward just three matches to equal last season's goal tally. on top of his brace against Ipswich on Friday evening, Isak also scored a crucial goal against Nottingham Forest last weekend to ensure a 2-2 draw at Anfield.
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With Hugo Ekitike still waiting in the wings with an Achilles tendon rupture, Isak should continue to lead the attacking line for Andoni Iraola, and fans will hope for further success as the season progresses.
Up next, Isak will hope to make a mark against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League come Wednesday, September 9. Attention then returns to the Premier League as Liverpool play host to Fulham on Saturday, September 12.