Alexander Isak netted his 58th Premier League goal during Liverpool’s 2-2 stalemate against Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Despite finding the back of the net, the 26-year-old striker struggled to influence the game, managing only six touches, a single accurate pass, and zero shots during the opening 45 minutes. This performance highlights the ongoing challenge for new manager Andoni Iraola, who has overseen draws in both of his opening matches, to integrate the forward effectively into his tactical setup.
The pressure on Isak remains immense, particularly as Liverpool nears the completion of a £123m deal for Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. Once finalized, Barcola will become the 10th player in Premier League history to command a fee of £100m or more. Notably, the club hierarchy maintained a strict valuation during negotiations, ensuring the fee did not exceed the club-record £125m they invested in Isak last summer, a figure that remains the highest transfer cost for any player in the league.
Isak’s transition to Anfield has been difficult; after scoring 44 league goals across his final two seasons at Newcastle, his debut campaign at Liverpool was marred by injuries, limiting him to just three goals in 14 top-flight appearances. While he appeared sharp during pre-season following strong displays for Sweden at the World Cup, he has struggled to replicate his previous form in a competitive environment.
Former England goalkeeper and pundit Joe Hart noted that Liverpool has yet to establish a cohesive system that plays to Isak’s strengths. Hart explained that at Newcastle, the entire team dynamic flowed through the striker, built on a foundation of long-term trust where midfielders knew exactly where to find him without needing to look. In contrast, Hart observed that such chemistry is currently absent at Liverpool, leaving the striker appearing isolated and lost on the pitch.
As Iraola continues to settle into his role, finding a way to make Isak the focal point of the attack is considered a critical component for the team’s future success. The recent 2-2 draw, which required a late intervention from Munoz to secure a point, underscores the urgency for the manager to resolve these tactical disconnects. The report also notes that who has drawn his first two games as Liverpool manager, a major part of success at Anfield will be the ability to get the best out of Isak, who – despite scoring – was largely ineffective in their 2-2, for Andoni Iraola.
