Alexander-Isak-Liverpool
After three Premier League games this season, Alexander Isak stands alongside Erling Haaland and Bruno Fernandes as the division's top scorer, three from three for Liverpool.
Last year, the Sweden striker flattered to deceive for his new club, bagging three times all season after completing a record-breaking £125m move from Newcastle United.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak
This is undeniably a more recognisable version of the 26-year-old, who really could be the difference-maker for Andoni Iraola, the one whose form might determine whether Liverpool fight for top-four or instead mount a challenge for the Premier League title they lost so decisively last year.
How Isak can be the difference-maker for Iraola
Supporters have been crying out for a Mohamed Salah replacement this summer, but Liverpool did that last year, spending a pretty penny on a world-class goalscorer in Isak.
He is one of the most clinical goalscorers out there, and as Liverpool picked up their first win of the season against Ipswich Town on Friday evening, his precision, movement and link-up play with the resurgent Cody Gakpo paid dividends for the Reds.
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Premier League - Top Scorers since Isak's Debut
Player
Erling Haaland
Mohamed Salah
Ollie Watkins
Alexander Isak
Bryan Mbeumo
He spoke after the win of leaving the past behind him, and he certainly looked like a man staring forwards when spearheading the maiden win of the Iraola era.
Isak might top the scoring charts, but his underlying data is also promising. He has clocked a top speed of 34.8km/h in the Premier League this term, placing him in the top percentile of players for fastest speed. Moreover, he has been one of the crispest forwards on the ball and has won a whopping 92% of his aerial duels thus far.
With Hugo Ekitike not expected back from injury until around Christmas, the importance of Isak maintaining form and fitness is heightened.
Liverpool do not have any further senior strikers in their squad, though there is an academy man waiting in the wings who will fancy his chances of making a big impact if and when he is called upon.
Liverpool are already brewing the next Isak
When Liverpool sold Darwin Nunez and replaced him with Newcastle goal machine Isak, it felt like Arne Slot's side had been consolidated as the supreme outfit within the Premier League.
Darwin Nunez Liverpool record (timeless)
Darwin Nunez Liverpool record (timeless)
Last year, it didn't work out that way, but Isak is now firing on all cylinders - and Iraola has the chance to unleash "a better finisher than Nunez" in academy graduate Jayden Danns, with the 20-year-old remaining at Anfield despite speculation this summer.
Danns has made something of a habit of scoring goals when given opportunities to do so. But chances have been few and far between for the 6 foot striker, who has been blighted by injuries throughout the fledgling stage of his career.
It's indeed been a tough few years for the prospect, who was immense when bursting onto the scene under Jurgen Klopp's wing in 2023/24, instrumental in fighting off an injury crisis and even playing a big part in winning the Carabao Cup against Chelsea at Wembley.
With Liverpool routinely playing twice in a single week, Danns could be crucial as Iraola fights to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts. A hamstring injury meant he was sidelined during pre-season, unable to show off his skills, but Iraola knows something of forging a connection with a fanbase, a club legend with Athletic Bilbao during his playing days.
This is to say that Danns has what it takes to rival Isak and maybe even learn a thing or two from the world-class Sweden striker. Certainly, there is a striking likeness between the two, with Danns also mobile and roving, intelligent in the way he links play together and finds space in the danger area.
In total, he has three goals from only ten senior appearances with the Merseysiders, and has the kind of instinctive movement and innate shooting ability that the likes of £85m flop Nunez failed to channel in the Premier League.
Liverpool forward Jayden Danns
Liverpool forward Jayden Danns
Danns needs to stay fit (an issue which has also plagued Isak throughout his career), but Iraola is bound to give him a shot at some stage, and if his previous clinical finishing is anything to go by, Danns might just take it.
Jeremie Frimpong for Liverpool-1
Jeremie Frimpong for Liverpool-1