Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has publicly backed the club's record signing, Alexander Isak, to become a very important player for the Reds this season, with the striker potentially set for an extended run in the starting lineup.
Gerrard's Verdict on the Struggling Striker
The endorsement comes at a critical time for the Swedish international, who has found goals hard to come by since his £125 million summer move from Newcastle United. Isak has managed just one goal in ten appearances across all competitions, a solitary strike against Southampton in the Carabao Cup two months ago.
Analysing Liverpool's recent humiliating defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League on TNT Sports, Gerrard acknowledged that the 26-year-old looks rusty but insisted his quality will shine through.
We have to get Isak up to speed, he's going to be a very important player this season, Gerrard stated. He pointed to a recent match against Nottingham Forest where Isak was starved of service, saying, I felt sorry for him. He worked his socks off. You can see clearly that he needs game time.
Ekitike Injury Opens the Door
The path for Isak to receive that crucial game time may have been cleared by an injury to fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike. The 23-year-old French striker was forced off during the hour mark of the PSV defeat at Anfield with an apparent back complaint.
While the full extent of Ekitike's injury is still being determined through further medical tests, his potential absence presents a clear opportunity for Isak to lead the line. Gerrard believes this consistent run is exactly what the striker needs to rediscover his prolific Newcastle form.
If you have an injury or miss a period, you can't switch it on like a light, Gerrard explained. He needs game time, minutes. Isak will produce for this club in the medium and long term; we have to be patient.
January Transfer Window Hint
Despite his confidence in Isak, Gerrard also hinted that manager Arne Slot might need to delve into the January transfer market to help bring the best out of the most expensive signing in British football history.
Suggesting the squad needs more balance, Gerrard commented, It might take tweaking in January to get more balance in the squad, but they need to be manned an extra 10 or 15 per cent to get the consistency.
He also singled out Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as a player who would walk into Slot's team and would have been a great signing, offering a clear indication of the areas he feels need reinforcement.
For now, all eyes will be on Alexander Isak. With Ekitike sidelined, the stage is set for the Swedish striker to justify his monumental price tag and prove Steven Gerrard right.
