The latest Liverpool news sees Alexander Isak subject to discussion from a former Reds hero
Alexander Isak (C) and Florian Wirtz of Liverpool look on next to manager Andoni Iraola during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco
Alexander Isak has been back in form this season(Image: Getty)
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There's little over a week until Liverpool return to Premier League duty against Manchester City. Andoni Iraola's side will become the first team to play the league leaders since they were found guilty of breaching the top-flight's financial rules.
Such a matchup seems fitting given the Reds finished twice in two of the seasons that City captured the title during the nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. On top of the dramatic narrative that comes with the clash, both sides are unbeaten in the league, with Liverpool on two wins compared to City's five.
The international break is heading into its third and final week as Alexander Isak has been handed an eye-opening verdict over his start to the season. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has revealed his stance on the biggest story in football right now.
Isak paying back
Liverpool's Swedish striker #09 Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Liverpool
Alexander Isak has been on fire this season(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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It's been a return to form for Alexander Isak this season after an injury-hit debut season at Anfield. The Swede became Liverpool's most expensive player ever when they signed him for £125million last season but was struck by fitness issues and managed just four goals in 22 games across all competitions.
The 27-year-old has already matched that record this season solely in the Premier League, with four goals in five games. Isak's potency in front of goal and his improved performances has former Reds striker Emile Heskey believing he's finally showing the form that made Liverpool fork out a nine-figure fee for his services.
"I'm not sure about what to add to his game because he is what he is," Heskey told Rekatochklart.com. "I like his movement. He's getting chances, and creating chances. You're going to miss some anyway. I love the runs that he's making. He looks sharper now, like he was when he was at Newcastle.
"That comes with games, the more and more you play. I like his movement, I like his runs. I think he's coming back to his best now because people are seeing him making the runs now. The second goal against Ipswich where he made the run in behind for Cody Gakpo who passed it with the outside of his boot.
"If you go back a little bit, just before he makes that run for Gakpo, he's made a run for Virgil (van Dijk) who doesn't play it. He turns around and he's like throwing his hands around and then he realises Gakpo's got it, and he comes back onside and makes the second run."
Klopp's Guardiola verdict
Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola hug
Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola enjoyed countless battles in the Premier League(Image: Getty Images)
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Jurgen Klopp admitted his reluctance to comment on Manchester City being found guilty of serious financial breaches stems from the respect he has for Pep Guardiola. Despite being found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges by an independent commission, the club insist they are innocent.
The two legendary managers enjoyed a healthy rivalry for years, with their former clubs having gone head-to-head in numerous thrilling title races. Despite previously joking he'd attend a parade if the Reds were retrospectively awarded titles, Klopp admitted he no longer holds this view.
The Germany boss said: "I haven't given it much thought, even though I've seen it of course. I also know what I said about it in the past and how if there's ever a parade I'll be there, but it doesn't feel like that anymore.
"My respect for Pep Guardiola and the football played at City during the time we played against each other... plus what an opponent they proved to be for us at the very highest level is far too great for me to be able to say anything now."
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