Liverpool has its own Erling Haaland that Andoni Iraola simply has to unlock
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesErling HaalandErling Haaland showed the value of a world-class striker as Norway knocked Brazil out of the World Cup, but Liverpool has a top number nine of its own who needs unlockingErling Haaland caused an upset as Norway knocked Brazil out of the World Cup.(Image: ANP via Getty Images)Alisson Becker could only do so much to stop Erling Haaland. None, though, could match the sheer power and inevitability of Haaland, who was more than comfortable carrying a nation's hopes on his shoulders.Next season, as Liverpool looks to compete with Manchester City once again — this time without Pep Guardiola — it is Haaland who will be the leading light at club level too.
Fortunately for Andoni Iraola, he has his own version lying in waiting.Though it is true that Haaland's relentless scoring feats are underrated as a result of them being so normal and often with brutal clinicalness rather than particular flair, Liverpool has a number nine of elite caliber who shouldn't be overlooked too.Twenty-six-year-old Alexander Isak was unable to carry Sweden as far as Haaland has taken Norway at the World Cup, but that was through no fault of his own.Norway has other top players, including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, and could bring Andreas Schelderup and Oscar Bobb, who both made a telling difference, off the bench in the second half.Sweden's forward #09 Alexander Isak kicks the ball past France's defender #17 William Saliba during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between France and Sweden at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on June 30, 2026. Florian Wirtz, who had a disappointing World Cup with Germany, will need to step up too.But if Isak A) stays fit and B) is fed with proper regularity next season, then there is no reason that he cannot be the focal point that Liverpool thought it was getting when the Newcastle exit saga came to an end last September.Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreFrom $100LFC.comSee the dealLiverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.Haaland remains underestimated by opponents — Brazil, for instance, left plenty of space for him to work in — and he was too hot to handle as a result.In the Mohamed Salah-less Liverpool team that takes to the field next season, Isak will need to be similarly devastating when it comes to finishing the chances that his teammates create.If he is to justify the huge price tag that Liverpool shelled out on him 12 months ago and take on the Salah mantle, it will have to fall into place pretty quickly.Matt AddisonMatt Addison is the Liverpool FC reporter for Liverpool.com, covering the Reds through written articles, podcasts and videos. He graduated from the University of Liverpool (BA) and enjoys covering Liverpool's youth teams, as well as the first team, and is an FA-qualified football coach and referee.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAlexander IsakErling HaalandFIFA World Cup