Why keeping Isak fit and firing is key to Iraola's Liverpool revival — SkimNews
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- Alexander Isak scored in three successive Premier League games for the first time since January 2025, netting in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton to reach six league goals in seven appearances and move one behind Erling Haaland.
- Andoni Iraola said in September that his main demands on Isak were pressing and helping create chances rather than goals alone, while insisting a fit striker in good shape would produce the numbers.
- Bradley Barcola broke clear on the right of Liverpool’s front three before locating Isak in the six-yard box for his goal against Brighton, providing the link between two of the club’s £100m-plus recruits.
- Liverpool paid a British-record £125m for Isak as Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards doubled down on a few technical marquee signings after the title win, rather than Arsenal’s model of spreading funds across a larger squad.
- Alexander Isak has increased his shots per game from 2.18 to 3.15, doubled his xG per 90 from 0.33 to 0.67 and recorded a 0.95 goals-per-90 rate second only to Haaland; his 24.6 touches per game are also second only to Haaland’s 24.1.
- Hugo Ekitike is not due to return from a long-term Achilles injury until next year, leaving Iraola to manage Isak’s minutes and often replace him up front with Lewis Koumas; Isak’s debut season also included a 106-day spell sidelined by a fractured left leg.
- Jamie Carragher said Liverpool are not a great goalscoring team and highlighted that Isak has scored in every league win so far, while only Victor Munoz among his teammates has more than one top-flight goal.
Why it matters: For Liverpool, a fit Isak has delivered six league goals in seven appearances, a 0.95 goals-per-90 rate second only to Haaland and a goal in every league win so far. With Ekitike unavailable until next year, the club’s current scoring is concentrated in its £125m forward, while Iraola asks him to press and create chances.
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