Alexander Isak Tipped to Become Liverpool’s Standout Star Under Andoni Iraola

Alexander Isak has made a relatively quiet start to the new Liverpool season, yet Lewis Steele believes the striker could eventually emerge as the club’s standout player under Andoni Iraola.

Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Steele was asked to predict both Liverpool’s player of the year and their leading goalscorer. His answer for both categories was Isak.

It was an intriguing selection given the evidence available after Liverpool’s opening two Premier League matches. Isak struggled during the 2-2 draw at Newcastle United before opening his account for the campaign in the subsequent 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest.

Steele acknowledged that the performances have yet to match his expectations.

“I don’t think he’s looked very very good. He definitely didn’t look good against Newcastle. He scored a tap in against Forest.”

Isak Backed for 20 Goal Liverpool Season

That assessment did not discourage Steele from making a sizeable prediction about what could follow.

“I really think when he gets going I think he could get a 20 goal season,” Steele told Davis.

For Liverpool, that would represent a significant contribution during Iraola’s first campaign at Anfield.

There is also confidence surrounding the attacking unit being assembled around Isak. Earlier in the Media Matters conversation, Steele discussed how Liverpool could line up with Florian Wirtz operating as the number 10, Isak leading the line and Bradley Barcola providing one of the wide options.

“If Wirtz in the 10 and Isak in the nine and Barcola and whoever either side of them, I think that is as good as any front three in the division by far,” Steele said.

Steele went further when comparing Liverpool’s attacking resources with their Premier League rivals.

“I think Liverpool overall, you could probably make a case that they’ve got the best front three.”

His qualification was important, with Liverpool still attempting to find cohesion during Iraola’s opening weeks in charge.

“It’s just a case of when they all clicked together and so far that’s not happened,” Steele explained, before adding that “the signs against Forest were that they were starting to get to grips with it all.”

Alexander Isak Could Lead Iraola Attack

That Nottingham Forest performance therefore offered some encouragement. Isak got his first goal of the season and Liverpool showed signs of developing greater understanding between their attacking players.

Steele also believes Liverpool possess significant options around their centre forward.

Discussing the wider attacking department, he said: “I think the four wingers are very good with Barcola, Munoz, Gakpo, and Rio.”

He added: “I think the competition is going to be really good. I think they can all contribute in very different ways.”

His overall verdict was similarly positive: “The attack, I think, looks very strong to be honest.”

That depth could provide Iraola with different combinations around Isak as Liverpool move into a more demanding section of the season.

Steele Sticks With Isak Prediction

Davis gave Steele an opportunity to consider other candidates for his player of the year prediction, with Barcola among those discussed.

Steele remained with his original selection.

“I think Barcola have a good season, but I’ll stick with my guns on Isak.”

It is a significant prediction at this early stage of Iraola’s Liverpool reign.

Isak has his first goal. Steele believes considerably more could follow, potentially enough for a 20 goal campaign and Liverpool’s player of the year award.

For a striker still finding his rhythm in this Liverpool side, those are considerable expectations. Steele, though, has already made his choice.