Michael Owen has said Alexander Isak is “starting to run out of excuses” after the Liverpool striker produced another below-par performance in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle United.
The Sweden international led the line for the Reds in his first return to St James’ Park since leaving the Magpies. Isak established himself as one of the world’s best strikers during his time at Newcastle, prompting Liverpool to pay a record £125 million for his services.
Injury-hit first season
Isak endured an injury-hit first season at Anfield, which limited his involvement and meant he scored only four times. Now, having had the benefit of a full pre-season ahead of his second year at Liverpool, onlookers are adamant he has to start producing.
Owen, once Liverpool’s main poacher, knows first-hand how challenging it can be to recover from injury. However, he believes time is running out to afford Isak any leeway following his latest below-par showing.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Owen said: “I had plenty of injuries in my career so I know how hard it is to get back and you do need a bit of time. We’ve given him time, everyone has given him time and understood that. But he’s finished the season, then he’s gone to the World Cup and now he’s had a pre-season and you just think OK, now we’re starting to run out of excuses.
“We need to see the real Isak and we know how good he is. Wow, we saw him for Newcastle and he’s absolute class. We haven’t seen it for Liverpool just yet and questions will come now. As I say, always give him the benefit of doubt in the past but at the start of this season we’re expecting.
“Liverpool absolutely need him, they’ve lost Salah, Ekitike is out, there’s not that many options in attacking areas. They absolutely need him in top form and yesterday he was far from it, I thought he was a yard off and that’s worrying.”
Isak’s best chance
Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai were the two men on target for Liverpool. Isak, who was regularly booed by the Newcastle crowd, had his best chance in the second half but blazed over from the edge of the area.
Isak scored 62 times in his three years at Newcastle but has never looked like replicating that form at Anfield. Liverpool are looking to justify their outlay, especially with Hugo Ekitike, who cost around half Isak’s fee, scoring 17 times in his debut season.
