Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has been speaking about Alexander Isak, Ronald Araujo and Alexis Mac Allister ahead of his side taking on Fulham in the Premier League
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola says Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is heading in the right direction after a strong start to the new season in which he has matched last year's total of Premier League goals already.
The Swedish forward was unfit for most of his debut campaign at Anfield, but has since regained sharpness. He netted a quick-fire brace a week ago at Ipswich and will be looking to build on that this weekend against Fulham.
"We hope so," Iraola said when he was asked if Isak was ready to explode into top form. "He is going well. I am happy with the improvements he is doing game to game.
"With the physical side, he is in a very good place. Technically, we know he's very good, understanding better what we need from a number nine position. He has to help us not just in the goals but in a lot of things."
Iraola was also asked about Ronald Araujo, who has successfully filled in at full-back in recent matches, and looks set to continue in that role ahead of Jeremie Frimpong.
"Ronald is used to playing big games, playing in the Champions League, fighting for titles, and playing for a big club," Iraola said.
Ronald Araujo before Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Ronald Araujo before Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.(Image: Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
"For him, the bigger challenge is the language. He doesn't speak English but he has good help inside the changing room.
"The change (of scenery) mentally has helped him a lot. He had a lot of years at Barca and needed this kind of change. It helps that, performance-wise, he has been playing very well.
"It's difficult to come into the game as a center-back from the bench, but did a good job against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. When he's had a position to start in maybe not his main position, he has done well."
Alexis Mac Allister has also kicked on at the start of the new campaign. Earlier in the week, he outlined his "sadness" at not having been handed a contract extension.
Content Image
Content Image
"I said before the game on Wednesday that he is a great player," Iraola added.
"He understands the game and has experience which is very good for quite a young team we have right now. I hope we can keep this level of performance and improve it."
Liverpool hosts Fulham this weekend and then Tottenham in the Carabao Cup midweek. Iraola will then head back to his former club, Bournemouth, before the international break.