Liverpool boss Arne Slot reveals one thing Alexander Isak can do to become the ‘best striker in the world’
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Liverpool have got an incredible striker on their hands following the summer transfer window.
The Reds ended their spending spree in the biggest way possible, signing highly rated forward Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a British record transfer fee of £125 million.
It was a tricky road to acquiring the signature of the Swedish international, after attempts by the club were blocked on the first bid by Newcastle, who tried everything within their power to keep their talisman.
But after months of backroom drama, missed pre-seasons, and public fallouts, the club agreed a deal with the Magpies to land the final piece of a summer rebuild that is unusual for the club.
The new No.
9 is training with the group as they prepare to head to Turf Moor on Sunday to face Burnley, but expect a cameo rather than a full debut, as Arne Slot told fans to expect Isak at full strength in three to four months.
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
His fitness was a ‘major concern’ for Newcastle before selling him, with a fitness plan in place which would see him at full match fitness after the second international break.
However, the 25-year-old will be featuring in games off the bench for the foreseeable so fans will still be able to get a taste of an attacker with so much promise leading the forward line.
While supporters and manager Slot know they have one of the best in the world at the club, the Dutchman believes he needs one accolade to make him the best across the board.
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Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the 46-year-old coach said: “At this moment in time, he isn’t (the best striker in the world) – for the simple reason he has been out for four months.
If you write I said he is not the best in the world, you have to add that [bit] or it is not completely fair because he is one of the best in the world.
“But for him to become the best in the world, I think the best players in the world win trophies and that is what he and we need to do for him, or someone else, to be seen as the best or one of the best.”
He has already proven during his time on Tyneside that he can win a trophy, with a League Cup final win over Liverpool featuring an opener from Sweden’s own.
But he will now be aiming higher with the ambition of helping the Merseyside club achieve back-to-back Premier League titles.
Isak brings with him a goal threat and an ability to finish under pressure, and with competition from Hugo Ekitike, the pair will no doubt push each other in a healthy rivalry, which should increase their output.
These factors combined will no doubt push the Reds to be champions once again and potentially secure them a Champions League title if all goes to plan.
The Burnley game may be a small showcase if he is brought on towards the end, but his start to life in the shirt whenever it comes will be an exciting moment for those in the terraces.