'Always nice': Arne Slot admits something surprised him about Alexander Isak's Liverpool debut
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Alexander Isak finally made his Liverpool debut on Wednesday as the Reds delivered yet another late show.
It has been a long wait for supporters to see their new record signing in action after Isak joined from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day.
After three weeks of anticipation, the moment arrived on the big stage, as Liverpool took on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield.
Having seen Arne Slot leave Isak out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s equally late win over Burnley, many had perhaps expected the Swede to start from the bench in midweek.
However, in a slightly surprise turn, Slot decided his new No.
9 would benefit most from starting the game.
Liverpool fans were delighted to see Isak in red at last, and after watching the striker put in an encouraging 58-minute display, Slot sounded an excited note after full-time.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Supporters were already excited to see Champions League football return to Anfield on Wednesday, and Isak‘s inclusion on the team sheet only added to the fervour.
The 25-year-old took a while to get going in the game, but once he did, it became clear what he can add to the Liverpool squad.
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And speaking in his post-match press conference, Slot admitted that Isak looked up to speed quicker than he was maybe expecting.
“I was positively surprised by how fit he was during that 60 minutes but that maybe, probably, tells you that it might be a difference to sign a 20-year-old from a different league or a 25 or 26-year-old that is used to playing in this league,” said the Liverpool head coach.
“Although he only trained for two weeks, he has so many games under his belt that he is probably more able to be ready for 60.
You don’t have to be a manager to recognise how much quality he has.
“But it’s always nice to see if a player starts the way he starts, like Hugo Ekitike [who] started the same as he did,” Slot added.
“Yeah, a good start, only 60 minutes and now we have to build him up from here.
But I can tell you he is not going to play 90 again on Saturday.”
Slot’s confirmation that Isak will not play the full game against Everton on Saturday should not be a shock to anyone.
PassesChances CreatedShots on TargetTouches in BoxxGSuccessful DribblesAlexander Isak vs Atletico13/1611/240.071/3
Wednesday was the Sweden international’s first start since May and Liverpool will take all the necessary care over him.
However, it does leave the possibility open that Isak could make his Premier League debut for the Reds against their neighbours.
Hugo Ekitike might have something to say about that, and the Frenchman looked like a man with a point to prove having come off the bench to replace Isak on Wednesday.
Slot could start either of his new strikers, but we think the smart money is potentially on Ekitike to return, with Isak instead told to make his impact from the bench.