Alexander Isak has been a shadow of his former self since joining Liverpool from Newcastle United, and former Premier League striker Dwight Yorke has had his say on the Swede's struggles at Anfield
Richard Garnett
07:36, 15 Jul 2026Updated 07:43, 15 Jul 2026
Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot (left) with record signing Alexander Isak
Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot (left) with record signing Alexander Isak(Image: Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has failed to replicate the form that saw him wreaking havoc for opposition defences during his Newcastle United days since returning from a serious injury sustained at Liverpool, but the Sweden international hasn't been aided by Arne Slot's tactical adjustments.
That's the view of ex-Premier League forward Dwight Yorke, who has offered his assessment of the Reds' record-breaking summer acquisition. Liverpool made history 11 months ago when they controversially sealed a transfer to bring Isak from the unwilling Magpies following what amounted to the player downing tools.
However, Isak made a sluggish start, turning up at Anfield lacking fitness before sustaining a fractured leg in a clash with Tottenham Hotspur last December, sidelining him for more than three months. Upon his comeback, the Swedish striker found it difficult to rediscover his rhythm, prompting doubts about Liverpool's judgement in splashing out such enormous sums on the 26 year old attacker.
And ex-Manchester United frontman Yorke, who secured three Premier League crowns with the Old Trafford outfit, remains uncertain whether Isak can recapture the dazzling performances that justified his substantial transfer fee, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Speaking to football betting specialists BOYLE Sports, Yorke said: " Alexander Isak has been in a difficult situation. I was a huge fan of his when he was at Newcastle United but I never knew the injuries that he has had so I don't know what kind of mentality he has needed to come back from that to be the same player."
Isak will now be hoping to hear exactly that from Iraola, after the Spaniard succeeded Slot in becoming Liverpool's next head coach. Despite a disappointing season just gone under the Dutchman, Yorke sees no reason why the Reds should no be challenging for the title once more when the new campaign gets underway.
He said: "It's always the same. After major injuries you've never quite the same and he hasn't looked anywhere near to the player I loved at Newcastle.
"That might be a little bit of a concern for Liverpool but I think he's working extremely hard. He's really trying to get back to that level. I'm just not sure if that's going to happen for him.
Alexander Isak in action at the World Cup
Alexander Isak in action at the World Cup(Image: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU, AFP via Getty Images)
"It'll be interesting to see how he gets on this season under the new manager, Andoni Iraola, and how he sees it and what he wants to do with the team."
Yorke also delivered a scathing assessment of former Liverpool head coach Slot's habit of alternating Isak with fellow summer acquisition Hugo Ekitike, leaving the Swedish striker in limbo as he attempted to cement his position as Liverpool's leading forward.
"When Ekitike was keeping Isak out of the team, you're not feeling like you're worth £120m and that's when the doubts start to kick in," added Yorke. "And you've got the previous manager messing you around and not playing you, chopping and changing every few seconds. Liverpool were never going to get the best out of a player like Isak in that environment, I don't think.
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"If you're a striker, you want to be told you're the number one, and if you're not getting that message from the manager, then you've got a long season ahead of you. It's not the situation you want to be in."