Captain Virgil van Dijk has said Liverpool “want more than goals” from Alexander Isak, but he is “not worried” about the striker’s tough start.
When the Reds signed Isak and Florian Wirtz, it was only natural to think that their squad had improved greatly.
They arrived for club-record sums of money, but both have struggled to reach the heights expected of them this season.
Speaking to media, including the Liverpool Echo, Van Dijk focused on Isak initially, saying he is confident that the Swede will come good and stressing the importance of goals.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak scores the first goal, his first in 2026, during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It is important for Alex to get goals as a striker and it was a great goal,” Van Dijk said.
“In terms of what I’ve seen of him, everyone knows and sees and experiences as teammates how outstanding he is.
“It is about getting games, confidence but obviously scoring goals as a striker – that’s the main trigger for him. I’m not worried at all about him whatsoever.
“We want more than goals from him and that’s what he can bring and he just has to keep going and keep working, keep staying fit and keep staying important for the football club because I think he will and he already is.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Van Dijk then added: “It is quite an understatement to say he’s had a tough year. He can probably explain it better but the injuries he had and the timing have been bad.
“But now he is fit and we all know what he can bring and he shows it in training and in games as well.”
Van Dijk went into detail about Isak and Wirtz as a pair, too, speaking similarly optimistically about the long-term impact they will have.
“That was always the plan,” he said.
“These two particular players have been brought to the club to make an impact and it’s not been an easy season for anyone, including those two, but you see the quality they have.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz scores the third goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It is about keeping developing, knowing what it takes to be a Liverpool player not only on the pitch but off it as well, look after yourself and try to be, each and every three or four days, the absolute best of yourself.
“We all know this season has been well below our standards and it’s on us next season to make sure that doesn’t happen any more.
“Will more game together mean better performances? It’s not a guarantee.
“(But) a year of experience will definitely help in their development and the way they see the club, the way they see us as a team and they have a big part to play.”
Will Alexander Isak & Florian Wirtz justify their price tag?
Even the most ardent Liverpool fan would have to admit that Wirtz, and particularly Isak, have underwhelmed overall this season.
The former has been short of fitness and suffered a broken leg, and while the latter has produced moments of magic, he hasn’t been consistently enough.
But there is still every chance that Isak and Wirtz justify their record-breaking fees, with the pair world-class at their best.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
They have been playing in a struggling Liverpool team – one lacking creativity, pace out wide, fitness and injuries – but they can excel in an in-form, settled side.
It is going to be exciting to see how Isak and Wirtz complement each other, with the former Newcastle man having the elite movement and finishing that the German needs to see the best of him.
Nothing is a given, especially if injuries are an issue, but the duo represent the future at Liverpool, as current legends begin to leave.