Virgil van Dijk has expressed confidence in Alexander Isak despite the striker's challenging debut season at Liverpool, but the captain has stressed the need for more goals from the club's record signing.
Van Dijk Backs Isak
The Liverpool captain described Isak as "outstanding" and said he has no concerns about the Swedish forward's long-term prospects, despite a campaign disrupted by injuries and a lack of goals. Isak, who joined Liverpool for a British record £125 million, has managed only four goals in 21 appearances across all competitions, with three of those coming in the Premier League.
Speaking after Liverpool's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, in which Isak scored his first goal of 2026, van Dijk said: "In terms of what I've seen of him, everyone knows and sees and experiences as teammates how outstanding he is. It is about getting games, confidence, but obviously scoring goals as a striker – that's the main trigger for him."
Injury-Hit Campaign
Isak's season has been plagued by injuries, including a fractured leg sustained while scoring against Tottenham in December and subsequent ankle surgery. His goal against Palace was his first in 2026, ending a lengthy drought. Van Dijk acknowledged the difficulties, adding: "It is quite an understatement to say he's had a tough year. He can probably explain it better, but the injuries he had and the timing of it has been bad."
The defender urged Isak to continue working hard and stay fit, emphasizing his importance to the team. "I'm not worried at all about him whatsoever. We want more than goals from him, and that's what he can bring. He just has to keep going and keep working, keep staying fit and keep staying important for the football club, because I think he will and he already is," van Dijk said.
Future Prospects
Van Dijk also looked ahead to next season, expressing hope that Isak would increase his goal output. However, he noted a potential clash with the Swedish international during the World Cup, as the Netherlands are set to face Sweden in a friendly in Houston in June. "It is on him now to keep showing that – hopefully after the World Cup, because at the World Cup we play against each other, so he can take it a little bit easier then," van Dijk joked.
Liverpool's two most expensive signings, Isak and Florian Wirtz, both scored against Crystal Palace, with Wirtz netting in injury time. Van Dijk sees this as a positive sign for the future, stating: "That was always the plan. These two particular players have been brought to the club to make an impact, and it's not been an easy season for anyone, including those two, but you see the quality they have."
