Alexander Isak told one skill he must learn at Liverpool as Virgil van Dijk comparison highlights issue

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Alexander Isak had yet another very quiet game for Liverpool against Sunderland.For whatever reason, things are just not going right for the Reds as of late, with their latest performance a real worry.After beating West Ham on Sunday, they followed it up with a very lacklustre outing against Sunderland, with there not really being a standout player of the night.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Who was your Man of the Match against Sunderland?

Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Many fans were hoping that Isak would be one of those who would kick on after scoring his first league goal since his £125m move, but he was non-existent on Wednesday night.Former Liverpool player Dean Saunders was just one of those not overly impressed with the Swede, with the ex-striker telling him that there is one thing he must learn if he is going to be successful at Anfield.Alexander Isak must learn how to play with his back to goalAt Newcastle, Isak was one of the most feared strikers around, with the 26-year-old scoring what felt like, week after week.He played in a very different system on Tyneside, however, with the Magpies counter-attacking quickly and getting the ball through to him as much as possible to run in behind.Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesAt Liverpool, they have been unable to do this as they tend to dominate possession, with teams sitting back and not leaving any space behind.This has meant Isak has really struggled to impact games, with Saunders saying he has to adapt quickly as right now, he is not involved enough.“When you play for Liverpool, you have to learn how to play with your back to goal,” he said on talkSPORT.“When you’re Liverpool and you’ve got the ball all day, and you’re forcing the opposition back into their own box, there’s no space.“So you have to learn how to play one-twos, how to lay it off properly, get it back, give and go, find the space in the box somehow.“But Isak is struggling with that at the moment. They aren’t getting the ball forward quick enough.” How did you rate each player during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland? 👇 Join the debate; share your insight.

Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Hugo Ekitike will feel hard done by as Alexander Isak seems to have taken his spotHugo Ekitike came on as a substitute for the second game running, and despite playing just over 15 minutes, he had just two fewer touches than Isak, showing how he was getting on the ball more.The Frenchman has also started the season way better than the Swede, or any of the new signings for that matter, so it feels a little harsh that he is being left out of the side.Ekitike seems to get on the ball more because of his work rate and willingness to link the play, something Isak needs to learn from.There is a case to suggest that these two need to start together to get the best out of each other too, but Slot seems reluctant for whatever reason, although this could change against Leeds. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox