Alan Shearer has offered his take on Alexander Isak after a strong start to the new season, but he says one thing that Liverpool has done in recent games "has to stop"
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer.
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer.(Image: James Klug/Getty Images)
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer is backing Alexander Isak to be a key man for Liverpool this season, a year on from his $169 million (£125 million) transfer move from the North East.
However, the pundit has not been impressed by Liverpool at the back so far this term, with Andoni Iraola's side having conceded five goals in four games. As a result, he is unsure exactly what the Reds' ceiling might be — even if Isak stays fit and carries on scoring at his current rate.
"Isak has to continue this form all season for Liverpool," Shearer said. "I mean, they've got Hugo Ekitike, who's injured and out for a while yet.
"I think it's key that he keeps producing what he's doing. I think if he can then Liverpool will have a real chance of Champions League football next season.
"But I really don't like them defensively. I think they're far too open, even on Wednesday, the way they conceded. I think when you're conceding goals like they do, then eventually you'll get punished. And that has to stop, I think.
"Without doubt, I think Isak has to be at his very best this season. For them to do that, they have to get early balls to him, both from out wide and from in the middle.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak.(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
"I know that can be sometimes difficult when teams are sitting deep and they're entrenched in their own 18-yard box. Then you go out wide and then you get balls in, early balls in for him that way.
"Then he's a very, very different player and there's not many better when you get the ball to his feet and he's running at you. There's not many defenders that will stop him one-vs-one when he's running at you."
Isak is far from the only exciting forward that Iraola can call upon. Big-money moves for Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola should also pay off, while the likes of Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz have big potential out wide.
"Liverpool have got Gakpo, they've got Barcola, they've got Rio Ngumoha, they’ve got Munoz as well," Shearer, speaking to Betfair, continued.
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"So, they've got those players to sort of play both sides, but it was slightly concerning that Barcola went off on Wednesday feeling his calf.
"I mean it looked a little bit more than cramp. But there's no doubt, he's a top player, Barcola. The one thing he has to improve on is his goal output.
"He had a chance or two on Wednesday night that he should have scored and those stats in terms of goals need to improve. But he's a fantastic player and he'll get bums off seats and he'll excite people."