Arne Slot told to make Liverpool formation switch as Alexander Isak given fresh challenge

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A fit-again Alexander Isak now needs to start contributing significantly at Liverpool, says one former strikerFormer Liverpool striker Neil Mellor says now is the time for Alexander Isak to begin repaying the British-record fee paid to bring him in from Newcastle United in the summer.And former Reds striker Mellor believes a tweak of the tactical system might be needed by Arne Slot to accommodate Isak and fellow new arrivals Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike in the same team.Isak hasn't featured for the Reds since October 22 when he limped out of a 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League with a groin issue and the £125m man has just one goal for his new club to date, which came against Championship side Southampton in the Carabao Cup two months ago.READ MORE: Rio Ngumoha sends reminder to Arne Slot as Liverpool get encouraging new Alexander Isak messageREAD MORE: Alexander Isak makes 'frustrating' admission as Liverpool striker offers new injury updateIsak returned to action after nearly a month out on Saturday night as Sweden were beaten by Switzerland in a World Cup qualifier and Mellor, who was part of the 2005 Champions League-winning squad under Rafa Benitez, thinks the No.9 can now begin to show what he can do at Anfield now he is fit once more."It’s a big boost to see that he is fit and available for starters," Mellor told Sky Sports News. "He was, I mean we’re talking [Erling] Haaland being the best striker in the Premier League, people were talking about Isak being the best last season.“He was so influential for Newcastle with the season they had; qualifying for the Champions League and winning a trophy as well.“So that is why Liverpool went out and bought him, because he is one of the best finishers.

Isak is an unbelievable finisher and he has been brought into Liverpool FC to be that finisher; to score goals, to take chances.“And it hasn’t quite worked out in terms of the goal return and the injuries he’s had, which has been frustrating, he hasn’t been able to get his rhythm in the game. But with the season as long as it is, he is going to play an important part for Liverpool."And whether that is to get Liverpool into a much better position in the league, whether that's a real good run in the Champions League, you feel as though he will contribute to Liverpool.

You say Ekitike has been in form and he was but he has gone off the boil a little bit recently."It's not just him but the numbers will say one goal in eight games, which is surprising, and you're thinking when the break happens, does that help certain players?"He got his first goal for France [against Ukraine], he'll be bouncing back at the AXA [Training Centre] when they come back before the Nottingham Forest game and that break will have done him the world of good."He is a player who is a little bit more raw than Isak in terms of the goals but then he started well with the goals and he hasn't scored recently, so that goal for France might just get him going again."So who starts? It's a long way to go."Now, because of the current run - what is it, lost six of the last seven? - people are saying Liverpool's season is finished.