Alexander Isak will have an emotional reunion with Newcastle when Liverpool visits St James' Park. However, instead of reminiscing about the time he was once loved here, the Swedish striker needs to focus on proving his value in the new team's colors.
A year after the controversial transfer deal, Isak has not had a truly convincing first season at Liverpool. Isak only scored 3 goals in the Premier League last season, a figure not commensurate with the £130 million that Liverpool spent to bring him to Anfield.
The 26-year-old striker once declared that his relationship with Newcastle "cannot continue" because of unfulfilled promises and lack of trust. That statement made his departure particularly sensitive to Newcastle fans. Therefore, the reaction from the stands of St James' Park on Isak's return will certainly be very fierce.
However, Isak has reason to believe that things can change. Before joining Liverpool, he was one of the most prominent strikers in the Premier League. In his last two seasons at Newcastle, only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah scored more goals than him in the league.
Isak once became Newcastle's hero when he scored the decisive goal against Liverpool, helping the "Magpies" end their 56-year title drought. Cold finishing ability, good technique and smooth movement style helped him quickly win the hearts of fans.
However, his first season at Liverpool did not go as expected. Isak did not have a full pre-season period and his fitness significantly affected his ability to integrate. The injury in December last year made it even more difficult for him to maintain a stable playing rhythm.
The biggest problem currently is not in finishing ability but in physical condition. Isak is still a top striker, but his maximum speed last season has decreased significantly. The ability to accelerate and explode is an important part of this player's playing style.
Positive signs have appeared in the pre-season period. Isak scored against Monaco and continued to create some notable moments when facing Como. A shot into a narrow corner showed the accuracy and familiar handling ability of the Swedish striker.
Pressing ability is also an aspect Isak needs to improve. Coach Andoni Iraola wants Liverpool to put stronger pressure right from the front line and the 26-year-old striker must adapt to this requirement. In the match against Como, Isak had some situations of proactively pressing and regaining the ball.
Coordination with Florian Wirtz is also being noticed. These two players both scored in the match against Monaco, but the understanding between them is still not really clear. Liverpool will need more individual moments of brilliance from this duo.
It is worth mentioning that Isak still maintains his finishing ability beyond expectations in the previous season. The problem lies in the fact that he is not often present in favorable positions. The scoring rate has also dropped to the lowest level since Isak came to England.
Therefore, the return to St James' Park is of special significance to Isak. He will face boos from Newcastle fans, and also under pressure to prove that Liverpool was right to spend a record amount of money to recruit him.
