‘Struggled’ – BBC journo reacts to Liverpool star’s 4/10 display; possession lost 8x & 0 shots on target
Alexander Isak ‘really struggled’ to make an impact during Liverpool’s trip to face Inter Milan in the Champions League, reports Aadam Patel.
The Sweden international once again failed to get his name on the scoresheet in the Reds’ latest visit to the San Siro.
Ibrahima Konate had a first-half headed goal disallowed after the ball was adjudged to have struck a Liverpool arm in the buildup.
Alexander Isak fails to impress vs Inter Milan
The change in system had initially appeared to suit Isak, with the former Newcastle man catching more sight of the ball in Milan.
“The worry for Liverpool is that Alexander Isak has really struggled with the physicality and intensity of tonight,” Patel reported for BBC Sport.
“He’s the sort of player who only needs one chance so you get why he’s still on the pitch but Isak simply hasn’t been able to keep hold of the ball.”
However, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was ultimately left with little other option than to hook his summer signing in the 68th minute, having largely had little impact on proceedings.
The 26-year-old registered just one shot all game (but not a single effort on target).
| Alexander Isak’s stats vs Inter Milan |
| 1 shot |
| 0 shots on target |
| 25 touches |
| Lost possession 8 times |
| 2/6 ground duels won |
| 1/1 aerial duels won |
* Alexander Isak’s stats against Inter Milan in the Champions League (Sofascore)
It’s hardly the first time Alexander Isak has gone missing in competitive action for Liverpool, having earnt criticism for a similarly minimal outing against Sunderland in the Premier League.
Sofascore handed the Sweden international a 6.5/10 rating for his display in Italy – but we feel his performance was more deserving of a 4/10 score.
Isak still yet to find his feet at Liverpool
It seems to be the case that the £125m signing from St James’ Park has yet to hit the ground running on Merseyside.
There have been signs, admittedly, of the sharpshooting potential the footballer will surely, eventually, showcase on a more frequent basis in a Liverpool shirt.
A first-time hit against West Ham, for instance, in the Premier League was a finish reminiscent of Robbie Fowler.
But this is clearly one project Liverpool fans will have to show some patience towards.
Indeed, as Arne Slot suggested back in September, Isak has ultimately been signed for the next ‘six years’.
Hopefully, we won’t be waiting too long to see the player we all admired over in the North East!
Join our channel of readers on WhatsApp to get the day’s top stories straight to your mobile
The post ‘Struggled’ – BBC journo reacts to Liverpool star’s 4/10 display; possession lost 8x & 0 shots on target appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.