Liverpool’s patience with Alexander Isak is finally paying off as the Swedish striker has begun to deliver the numbers the club expected when they paid a club‑record £125 million for him last summer. In a 2‑0 victory over Brighton at Anfield, Isak’s neatly taken finish gave him a third consecutive league goal – the first time the forward has scored in three straight Premier League matches since January 2025. The goal also highlighted the productive link‑up play between Isak and new signing Bradley Barcola, who set up the strike from the right side of the front three. The partnership has become a key element of Andoni Iraola’s attacking strategy, as the Reds look to rebuild a squad that has struggled to find consistent goal‑scoring output since the departure of Mohamed Salah.
Isak’s resurgence comes after a difficult first season in England, where injuries and adaptation problems limited him to just three league goals. In the current campaign he has already netted six times in seven league appearances, placing him just behind Erling Haaland at the top of the Premier League scoring charts. His statistical output has improved markedly: he now takes 3.15 shots per league game compared with 2.18 last season, and his expected goals per 90 minutes have risen from 0.33 to 0.67. His strike rate of 0.95 goals per 90 minutes is second only to Haaland, and he averages 24.6 touches per game – the most of any striker in the league. These figures suggest that Isak is finally operating at the level Liverpool paid for him, and that he is becoming a reliable source of goals for a team that has struggled to find firepower in recent months.
Iraola has repeatedly emphasised that the striker’s fitness and willingness to press from the front are as important as his goal tally. “If he’s fit, he will produce the numbers,” the new manager told Sky Sports in September. “My focus is on how he can help the team in all situations.” He has also expressed confidence that Isak now feels the trust of his teammates and the club’s hierarchy. “Everyone trusts that if he moves into good positions he will score,” Iraola said, adding that the player understands the need to contribute to the team’s overall performance.
Despite the progress, Isak’s injury history remains a concern. He has missed significant time due to abductor pain, a fractured left leg, and a thigh problem sustained on international duty. With fellow striker Hugo Ekitike still out for the season, the Reds have had to rely on backup options such as Lewis Koumas when Isak is unavailable. The medical team and coaching staff will need to manage his minutes carefully as the season progresses, ensuring he stays fit for the critical fixtures ahead.
Looking ahead, Liverpool will face Arsenal on Sunday, a match that could further test Isak’s influence in a high‑pressure environment. If he can maintain his current form and stay injury‑free, he will be a central figure in Iraola’s plans to restore Liverpool to the top of the Premier League. The Swede’s continued development will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as the club seeks to translate his individual success into collective silverware.