‘What he needs…’ – Claude Makelele explains what Liverpool must do to get the best out of Isak
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Alexander Isak is a striker who needs to be fed with chances ‘constantly’ if Liverpool are to get the best out of him.That’s according to former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele, who remains convinced that the Reds’ club-record £125m signing can go on to become an unqualified success at Anfield.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThe 26-year-old endured a difficult first season on Merseyside, with several injury issues preventing him from gaining any real momentum, and he ended the campaign with just four goals in 22 appearances.However, Makelele believes that Isak will hit his stride at Liverpool if he’s being provided with regular scoring chances from this teammates.
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)Makelele: Isak needs to be ‘constantly’ fed with scoring chancesSpeaking exclusively to Empire of the Kop (in association with ComeOn), the Frenchman said: “As I always say, coming from Spain to the Premier League means learning a completely different football, but Alexander Isak has adapted and he remains a top, top striker.“A striker like him needs feeding, constantly. He has to be in a team built to attack, with midfielders and wingers arriving on the ball and serving him, because in front of goal he is ruthless, and a striker who isn’t fed will never score.“He was at his very best at Real Sociedad, in a collective game of possession and quick transitions.
That’s what he needs; it’s that simple.“These are career decisions, and plenty of players get them wrong, but when they land in the right project, they bloom. When we get into threatening positions in the final third, it’s crucial that those in the penalty area are regularly penalty area are quickly supplied with an opportunity to score.Hopefully that’s something Andoni Iraola will remedy, with Liverpool’s new head coach renowned for his high-pressing, all-action tactical blueprint.The onus is also on Isak to link up effectively with the rest of the team and make the most of the chances with which he’s provided, along with staying fit consistently so that he can develop a productive chemisty with the players around him.At least he saw plenty of time on the pitch at the World Cup, and here’s hoping he can carry that bit of momentum with him into the club season.