Watch on as Alexander Isak scores a wonderful goal for Sweden in today's 3-1 loss to Norway. Is it a sign of things to come next season?
Will Isak see his best form next season under Iraola?
Alexander Isak was back in action today for Sweden in their 3-1 friendly loss to Norway. Isak started on the bench and came on in the 62nd minute to record 31 minutes on the pitch today.
He would end up being the talking point of a rough game from a Swedish point of view, with an outrageous goal. In the 76th minute, he would pick up the ball around midfield off a clearance from the Swedish backline.
From there, Isak had a breakaway on his own against two defenders, and with some amazing footwork, Isak managed to break away from the defenders on the edge of the box, and proceeded to launch the ball into the top right corner of the net.
Liverpool fans loved seeing the individual effort from Isak, and after a disappointing campaign for the Swede, where he missed 30 games due to injury issues (including 24 games for a broken fibula sustained in a 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur in December).
This begs the question: Is this a return to the form Isak was signed for? Or is it just a moment of brilliance?
Return to Form?
Isak has notably struggled this season after arriving late in the summer transfer window. Due to Newcastle's reluctance to let him go, as well as Isak's attempt to force a sale, the Swede wasn't put through his paces at the beginning of the season. This resulted in a ramping period, where Arne Slot attempted to integrate Isak into a Liverpool side that was flourishing early with the help of Hugo Ekitike and his run of form.
He netted only four goals this season, his lowest return in a season since the 2017/18 season, in which he played for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, making only 13 appearances. At 26, one would hope for a striker entering their prime, but with a season full of disruptions from start to end, Isak failed to find his footing after being signed for a record £125 million.
Isak for Sweden REUTERSThe hope for Liverpool fans this season is that the record-breaking signing can find his form once again, and there is hope that under incoming manager Andoni Iraola, he may be able to be utilized to his full capacity. There is pressure on the Swede to perform at a high level this season, especially with a long-term injury to French teammate Hugo Ekitike, who is out until early 2027 with an Achilles injury.
This summer is a big opportunity for Isak to get some much-needed minutes in his legs and come back stronger for the 2026/2027 season. Liverpool fans will be watching with eager eyes, hoping to see their superstar back to his best.
