The attention of Liverpool supporters is now fully on the World Cup, as they watch their talented players. One of the men who is the most intriguing to Kopites is Alexander Isak, who kicked started his tournament in style.
Sweden hammered Tunisia 5-1 in Mexico in the early hours of Monday, though it was the Reds forward who was on fire. The 26-year-old scored a fantastic goal and set up two goals on their way to victory. Following the match, he also picked up the Man of the Match award in his first World Cup fixture.
While it’s going well for Isak under Graham Potter, it was the complete opposite at Anfield. In December, the Swede suffered a broken leg away at Tottenham, which ruled him out for the majority of the season. However, before that, it was far from rosy, with time away from the squad due to a lack of fitness. In his debut Premier League season on Merseyside, the £125 million man just played 14 league games.
With pre-season around the corner, a lot of Liverpool supporters would have been content with him remaining in England. However, in just one game, he has showcased just how vital he will be for his national side. Prior to their first game, a Liverpool hero admitted he didn’t want him involved in the World Cup.
Former Liverpool player confesses Isak fears
Sweden had to play in the World Cup playoffs to reach the competition, as they beat Poland 3-2. While his national teammates were celebrating, he was making his recovery from his broken leg in March. People expected Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres to play ahead of him, as he had played a full season without injuries. Instead, Potter started them both, and they were able to get the job done.
However, with every passing minute, Kopites will be concerned regarding the Swede’s fitness. With Hugo Ekitike out for many months following an Achilles injury, the burden of the Reds’ goals falls on the former Newcastle forward. At St James’ Park, he struck fear into opponents; he has been unable to do that in the past 12 months.
Former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer believes that if the Reds are to get the man that was feared, he shouldn’t have gone to North America.
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, he said, “To be honest, I’d prefer if Alexander Isak wasn’t playing in the World Cup.
“He should have two or three weeks’ rest after the season and then start a six-week preparation for next season. I think that’s what he was missing this season: being fit for Liverpool. Even when he came back, he injured himself again.”
Liverpool to get the best from Isak
The former Czech Republic international is conflicted with what he believes may serve Isak best this summer. When it comes to the new campaign, do the club want him sharp or full of confidence? Smicer isn’t so sure.
“From a Liverpool perspective, I’d prefer Sweden to go out quickly. Then he can have a rest and join the Liverpool training camp before the season.
“On the other hand, I would like to see him scoring goals because I still believe we bought the right player and he will score many goals for Liverpool.”
While he left a major whole in Arne Slot’s squad last season with injures, Andoni Iraola is also going to suffer from one. Mohamed Salah’s reign at Anfield is one of the greatest the Premier League has ever seen. Losing a player of that magnitude for any club will be a blow to dreams of winning a league title.
However, Isak has shown he can be the man to lead a team to success. His run in the Carabao Cup for Eddie Howe’s Magpies was crucial in ending their major trophy drought. His goal drought last season displayed some worrying signs, though the past few weeks with Sweden have reminded Liverpool fans who he truly is. If the Reds’ Spanish boss can get the best out of him, while making sure he remains fit, they have a chance to do something quite remarkable next season.
