Isak’s Struggles Reflect Liverpool’s Faltering Title Defence
When Liverpool made Alexander Isak their record signing for £125m in the summer, expectations were enormous. The Swedish striker arrived with the weight of history on his shoulders, joining a side fresh from a Premier League title under Arne Slot and looking to build on that momentum. Yet, as the leaves turn in November, the optimism has faded fast. Liverpool have lost five of their last six league games and sit eight points behind leaders Arsenal. Their marquee forward has found himself under scrutiny, with only one League Cup goal to his name and little else to show for his hefty price tag.
David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, didn’t pull any punches when assessing Isak’s situation. “You’ve got to judge him quite harshly because Liverpool don’t often spend these huge sums of money and when they do, you expect that the signings are going to deliver.”
That sentiment cuts to the heart of Liverpool’s problem. For years, their recruitment has been careful, strategic, and often brilliant. From Mohamed Salah to Virgil van Dijk, the club’s biggest outlays were justified almost instantly. But in Isak’s case, the early signs are worrying.
Under Pressure to Deliver
Lynch went further, saying: “We’re in November now and he has one League Cup goal to his name and he hasn’t played particularly well yet.” It’s a harsh but fair reflection. A record transfer fee at a club like Liverpool carries both prestige and pressure. Supporters expected a striker ready to lead the line immediately, not one struggling to find rhythm or fitness.
“As much as people will say that you need to give him time, he is 26 and cost £125m so you want immediate returns on that sort of investment,” Lynch added. The age point is crucial. Isak isn’t a teenager settling into a new league; he’s a player in what should be his prime years. At 26, there’s little margin for excuses.
Confidence and Concerns
The Swedish forward’s injury issues haven’t helped, and his recent international minutes might be the spark he needs. As Lynch noted, “Getting these minutes on international duty will be a big help for him and then at some point we can hopefully see the best from him.” Liverpool fans will cling to that hope because right now, the team’s attack looks toothless and uncertain.
Still, the warning signs are there. “I’ve got a big worry that this season is going to completely get away from him,” Lynch admitted. “I really hope that I’m wrong on that but you see it so many times through the years and sometimes it’s the second season before you see anything close to his real level.”
Time Running Out for Isak and Slot
Liverpool’s slump has exposed weaknesses across the pitch, but none more glaring than up front. Isak was meant to be the player to lift the team in tight games, to provide that finishing touch. Instead, his struggles have mirrored the team’s decline. “We’re looking at all these problems with Liverpool at the moment, they’ve got a centre-forward there who has done virtually nothing. That’s a big problem,” said Lynch.
He didn’t stop there, delivering a blunt comparison. “He’s providing less than Darwin Nunez. At the moment, it’s a big downgrade.”
That final line sums up Liverpool’s frustrations. A record signing failing to inspire, a title defence collapsing, and a manager searching for answers. Slot’s side need goals, confidence, and leadership in the final third, and Isak was brought in to provide exactly that. If he doesn’t find form soon, both his and Liverpool’s season could fade into disappointment.
