Liverpool’s Swedish forward Alexander Isak came under sharp criticism after another subdued outing, with former Reds striker Dean Saunders warning that the 26-year-old must learn to play with his back to goal to succeed at Anfield.
Isak needs more than goals: Play one-twos, hold-up play — the task at Anfield
Isak’s arrival from Newcastle United raised expectations. On Tyneside, he was a constant threat a striker who thrived when opponents left space behind to exploit.
But at Liverpool FC, the tempo and structure are different. The Reds often dominate possession and push opposition deep into their own box, leaving little room behind the defense.
That shift in style appears to have left Isak struggling. In the recent 1-1 draw with Sunderland AFC, his influence was almost non-existent a fact Saunders picked up on.
“When you play for Liverpool, you have to learn how to play with your back to goal,” Saunders said on talkSPORT.
“You must know how to lay it off, play one-twos, receive it back, and find space in the box somehow.”
Saunders pointed out a telling statistic: Isak registered just 14 touches in that match while a defender such as Virgil van Dijk logged.
“They aren’t getting the ball forward quick enough,” the former striker added.
At Newcastle, Isak’s strength was his pace and ability to run in behind defenders. At Liverpool, that approach seems less effective.
To make his mark at Anfield, he must improve his link-up play, adapt to tight spaces and become more involved when the ball is at his feet.
That, Saunders argues, is the essential trade-off if Isak is going to thrive in the red shirt.
For now, Isak’s Liverpool journey involves more adaptation than finishing. The fans and pundits will likely give him time — but only if he adapts his game to suit the demands of one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
