The worst start for a Liverpool rookie in over 100 years
Since joining Liverpool in a big deal on the last day of the transfer window from Newcastle, Isak has only scored 1 goal, reaching the Carabao Cup against Southampton. Worse, all four of his Premier League starts have ended in defeat, something Liverpool have not had since 1906.
In the humiliating 0-3 loss to Nottingham Forest last weekend, Isak was withdrawn in the second half after only touching the ball 14 times. An unbelievable number for the most expensive striker in the history of the tournament.
Arne Slot's Liverpool are collapsing with 6 defeats in the last 7 matches. Overall, Isak is certainly among the biggest concerns.
Is the reason due to preparation time, physical strength or strategic mistakes?
For Isak, the question is whether this is just a temporary matter? There are some opinions that because he missed almost the entire season preparation stage, he did not have the desired start. Otherwise, are Liverpool facing systematic problems when they do not know how to use the Swedish striker?
Sometimes-expensive signings that are not suitable for the new environment are not uncommon in the Premier League. Many examples such as Fernando Torres (Ch Chelsea), Paul Pogba, Di Maria (Man United) or Grealish (Man City) are the most typical cases.
For Isak, that may not be the problem. Liverpool chased him very early when scouts observed him very closely. Data from both the analytical and visual regions shows that Isak is suitable for the playing style, capable of upgrading the attack after last year's championship season.
However, the Swedish star arrived in a state of inadequate physical condition, while the team was in chaos after a series of changes and a performance crisis.
Arne Slot and the problem of balancing collectives and individuals
Arne Slot admitted that he is struggling between prioritizing Isak's needs over the needs of the club.
A version of Isak with 100% fitness is a very valuable asset. But for him to do that, we have to let Isak play at times when some other players are probably more energetic, said Arne Slot.
That name is Hugo Ekitike - who has scored 5 goals in the first 8 matches, bringing Liverpool the qualities that he thought he would receive from Isak such as speed, smart movement and sharp finishing ability. This has fans wondering if Liverpool really need Isak when Ekitike has performed excellently and these two players are playing in the same position?
Diogo Jota's incident and Darwin Nunez's departure forced Liverpool to buy two "numbers 9" instead of one. However, as a result, Slot fell into a situation where Isak had to improve his fitness and maintain his form for Ekitike. This is a very difficult task in the context of the team's crisis.
balls are out of rhythm and the attack lines lack connection
Taking Isak up to the starting lineup against Nottingham despite only recovering from a hamstring injury and playing only 29 minutes for Sweden was a risky decision. reality proves that it is an extremely bad choice.
Data from the match showed that Liverpool's attack was unlikely to create a link. Although Isak was running in the right place at times and his teammates tried to pass the ball to him, everything was out of rhythm.
Partly due to the fact that the two central defenders Milenkovic and Murillo played too well when completely blocking Isak. However, in many cases, Isak was not in the penalty area because he had retreated too deep in the previous play. This slowness made many of his teammates clearly disappointed.
Isak's only chance against Nottingham came in the 64th minute, a difficult volley after a pass from Salah and he missed a shot. Slot replaced the Swedish striker just 4 minutes later, which was considered a liberating decision for both sides.
Isak still has a future but Liverpool are paying too high a price
The tight schedule will give Isak more playing time because Arne Slot has to rotate. However, Slot's idea of "let him play to regain his feeling" was flooded with cold water. Isak is now a burden that Liverpool cannot endure any longer in this crisis.
Liverpool have signed Isak until 2031. Therefore, the assessment of the failure of this deal must be based on many years, not the first 8 matches. However, in reality, a rookie so expensive has never had such a bad start at Anfield.
