Alexander Isak just showed Liverpool's new manager exactly what he wants to see
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Liverpool broke a British transfer record fee to sign Alexander Isak last summer but it was a season to forget for the Swedish internationalAlexander Isak scored for Sweden in their 3-1 defeat to Norway in Oslo as Graham Potter's side continued their preparations for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The Liverpool striker went on a mazy run to score his side's only goal of the game in the 75th minute.Isak was introduced for the final half hour of the game, replacing Gustaf Nilsson as his side trailed 3-0.
A long ball upfield found the Liverpool striker on the left-hand side of the pitch, running at defender Sondre Klingen Langås, stepping over the ball and shuffling it onto his right foot.After creating a yard of space inside the area, Isak tried his luck, and the shot deflected up off Langas and looped over the head of Ørjan Håskjold Nyland and into the back of the net.The wicked deflection left the Norwegian goalkeeper with little chance, but that kind of threat in the final third is something Liverpool fans only saw glimpses of. The new Reds boss, whoever that may be, will want to see more of that from Isak, along with an injury free campaign.Isak's campaign was blighted by injuries after his British transfer record move to Anfield from Newcastle United last summer.The 26-year-old made just 14 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring only three goals and notching one assist in that time.He scored just one other goal in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton, making a further eight appearances in all competitions, playing just 1,032 minutes across the season.Liverpool will be hoping his injury problems are behind him as they prepare for a new era after parting company with Arne Slot at the weekend, with Andoni Iraola the current frontrunner for the job.Isak was asked about his fitness after scoring against Norway and told Fotboll Direkt: "I don’t know [if I could have played for longer], it’s very possible.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!
All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page"But with another match so close, this was probably best [I came off the bench for 30 minutes]."Sweden are back in action against Greece on Thursday night and when asked if he felt he could start that game, Isak said: "It’s hard to say now, it depends on how I feel. If I feel fresh and then I could definitely consider starting."Isak's injuries have been a real problem for Liverpool last season, with Hugo Ekitike also now sidelined for a lentghy period.Former Reds boss, Slot, said Liverpool were going to be really careful with the striker after his torrid run of injuries.Speaking about Isak's absence against Aston Villa, Slot said: "Indeed, Alex is out – minor injury.