Alexander Isak hopes his excellent performance against Ipswich on Friday, underlined by two quickfire early goals that won the game, could be the boost he needs to finally get his Liverpool career rolling.
The Sweden striker scored twice before the 10th minute at Portman Road, taking his tally to three goals in three league appearances this season, as Liverpool beat Ipswich 2-0 for Andoni Iraola’s first win.
It comes after an injury-hit first season for Isak at Anfield following his British-record £125m move from Newcastle.
Isak made only 22 appearances last season and scored four times. The 26-year-old said that period was now behind him after his latest performance.
“It was not easy,” he said. “It was a long injury, a difficult season in general. I was thinking: I want to have a good World Cup firstly and then to start the season well, which I feel like I’ve done now.
“That season is kind of behind me, but it wasn’t easy.”
Iraola, who had drawn his first two league games in charge, believes Isak’s output will follow if the striker can remain fit. The Liverpool manager said his main focus would be on Isak’s overall play rather than simply his goals.
“Yes, with Alex, if he is fit, if he is available, if he is in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers,” Iraola said.
“My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably will be about other things. I will demand other things so we can play well, because if we play well we are in good positions and the goals will come.”
Both goals were created by Cody Gakpo, whose place in Liverpool’s squad had been uncertain before the transfer deadline. Tottenham and Manchester City had shown interest in the Netherlands forward but Liverpool rejected a late bid to keep him at Anfield.
Gakpo supplied a through-ball for Isak’s first goal before producing an outside-of-the-foot pass for the second. Iraola said the winger’s form had confirmed why Liverpool wanted to retain him.
“I had no doubt with Cody,” Iraola said. “He has been very good all the preseason, has started very well the season, producing numbers.
“He has to contribute towards the collective and knowing when everyone helps, after the goals and assists will come.”
Gakpo later moved into the centre-forward role after Isak’s second goal, giving Iraola another option across the front three.
“To have him in this place, for the beginning of the season, it’s good,” Iraola said. “I think Cody knows how much we value him, I think there is no doubt. I rate him very highly.”
