Andy Robertson gives honest verdict on Alexander Isak’s performance during Liverpool debut
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Alexander Isak was introduced in front of the Anfield crowd for the very first time.
The Champions League is officially back and the Reds began their campaign with a victory, albeit in the most dramatic circumstances.
After going 2-0 up after just six minutes, Atletico Madrid pegged them back to 2-2, with Liverpool needing a 92nd minute goal from Virgil van Dijk to seal the victory.
Although this last-gasp winner will overshadow the game as a whole, one big talking point from it is that Isak officially made his Liverpool debut.
The Swede did not manage to get his first goal but he certainly made a positive impact, with the fans liking what they saw.
And vice captain Andy Robertson gave his verdict on his new teammate’s debut, and it is safe to say he was left rather impressed.
Liverpool fans were a little disappointed not to be able to see Isak make his debut against Burnley, but after seeing him against Atletico, it would have been worth the wait.
The Reds number nine looked sharp considering he has played barely any football, and he was very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after some impressive pieces of play, particularly when combining with Florian Wirtz.
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It was not just the Liverpool fans who were impressed either, Robertson was too, with the Scotsman full of praise for him after the game.
“I thought he was excellent.
“But I thought first-half especially he was excellent, naturally he got a bit tired, but then it is amazing to have a player like Hugo to come on as both of them have such quality.
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“We have a lot of new players, they have to be given time to settle in because playing for a big club like this isn’t easy.
“But these guys are the future, the ones taking the club forward and they have shown glimpses already so far, so I’m sure they will only get better.”
Not many people expected Isak to start the game, but when he was announced in the starting XI, there was certainly a buzz around the ground.
Everyone knew that he would not be able to play the full 90 minutes, though, with most expecting him just to play the first half.
The Swede managed to get almost an hour under his belt, with Arne Slot admitting afterwards that he was surprised by his new striker’s fitness levels.
With that said, he also hinted that he may start on Saturday for his first Merseyside derby, and his performance would certainly suggest he is ready for it.
Van Dijk made a real name for himself during his debut in this fixture, and now Isak could do similar at the very start of his Liverpool career.