Alexander Isak almost ended a 13-month wait for a full 90-minute performance as he starred in Sweden's 5-1 World Cup victory over Tunisia. The Liverpool striker, who moved to Anfield for £125m last year, was replaced in stoppage time, but his display offered encouragement for new manager Andoni Iraola.
Isak's Performance
Isak scored a trademark goal, driving from the left and finding the far corner, and assisted Viktor Gyokores after muscling a defender off the ball. His touch also helped Mattias Svanberg score. The performance earned him the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award.
Injury Concerns
Isak has struggled with fitness since joining Liverpool, having not completed a full game since May 2025 when he played for Newcastle against Everton. A leg break in December sidelined him for four months, and he returned to a team in disarray. Sweden legend Tomas Brolin emphasized the importance of Isak staying injury-free to succeed at Liverpool.
Brolin told Hajper: "It's Liverpool's own fault how much they paid for Alexander Isak. But Isak can't shoot Liverpool to trophies himself. The whole team has to work. It will be easier for Isak to score goals if he stays injury-free."
Impact on Liverpool
With Mohamed Salah now out of the picture, Liverpool need a new hero. The club's pursuit of a Salah successor focuses on finding profiles that can supply Isak more frequently. Iraola will hope Isak's World Cup form translates to the Premier League.
Isak's goal against Tunisia showcased his pace and power, building on a stunning effort against Norway in a warm-up match. The performance cast off the negativity of his first year at Liverpool, where he arrived unfit and under pressure as the most expensive player in British history.
Conventional wisdom suggests Liverpool will hold their breath hoping Isak stays injury-free during the World Cup. But given his lack of minutes last season, the Reds need their No. 9 to regain rhythm. Isak scored 44 goals in his last two full seasons at Newcastle, and Liverpool hope he can replicate that form.
A souped-up player of the match award may not be the biggest prize on Isak's wishlist, but it represents a start for both him and Liverpool.
