Virgil van Dijk has no doubts in his mind about Alexander Isak coming good at Liverpool.
The Swede scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace — a goal we were all desperate for him to get after a derailed debut season.
After the game, Van Dijk spoke about Isak settling in on Merseyside, and the captain made it clear how he felt. He thinks the best is still to come, and there’s no reason to doubt that claim.
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Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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Virgil van Dijk’s assessment of Alexander Isak at Liverpool
There’s no denying Isak’s first season at Liverpool has been disappointing. Part of that is down to the injury, but even his fit periods offered little encouragement. He looked like a different player from the one who was terrorising Premier League defences last season.
But he’s back in the lineup, and a well-taken goal against Palace offers something to be excited about.
After the game, Van Dijk said in the mixed zone: “We are happy and I am pleased with him and the work he puts in and am fully confident it will be absolutely fine for him.
Alexander Isak celebrates Liverpool goal
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
“What I’ve seen of him, everyone knows and sees and experiences as team-mates how outstanding he is. It is about getting games and confidence but obviously scoring goals as a striker – that’s the main trigger for him.
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“I’m not worried 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.”
The Dutchman isn’t concerned. He has played against Isak at his best and knows the levels he can reach.
Why Van Dijk is right about Alexander Isak
Van Dijk is right because Isak has too much quality for this to be anything other than a difficult first chapter. That’s especially true when you look at his body of work in the Premier League.
Next season should be different too. With Salah gone, Liverpool’s attack will naturally shift towards Isak. Ekitike’s unfortunate injury also means he is likely to start as the clear number one choice, giving him rhythm, stability, and the confidence that comes from knowing the shirt is his.
Alexander Isak is set to surpass Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool’s main man. Who’s ready? 🔥
Alexander Isak pictured warming up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Credit: Joe Prior/Visionhaus/ Getty Images
This is not a player Liverpool are hoping can handle the Premier League. He has already proven he can dominate it.
The Palace goal may not fix everything, but it should be the start of Isak looking like himself again. Van Dijk has seen that version up close, and Liverpool should expect nothing less next season — maybe even in the final weeks.
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