Alan Shearer has warned Liverpool that Alexander Isak will not improve unless they change their style of football to suit his game, saying the Reds do not play to the striker's strengths.
The former Newcastle United forward was speaking after Isak started Liverpool's season-opener at Newcastle on Sunday. Although the Sweden international looked sharp, he appeared to lack real service and was often isolated as the lone centre forward.
Isak's mixed start at Anfield
Isak, 26, joined Liverpool in a club record £130million move from Newcastle last summer. Despite a bright start to life at Anfield, his form has been inconsistent. He found the net just four times in 22 appearances across all competitions, though he did spend more than three months out with a leg injury.
Shearer believes Liverpool need to start playing to Isak's strengths if they want to get the best out of him.
"I look at when he was brilliant at Newcastle, and how you got the best out of him was early balls in behind or in from behind," Shearer said. "I don't see Liverpool doing that. I guess they will have to change a little bit."
Partnership with Wirtz questioned
Shearer also questioned the partnership between Isak and Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool in the same summer.
"It certainly hasn't worked with [Florian] Wirtz and him, they've paid a fortune for both players," he said.
"I look at Alex and when he was brilliant at Newcastle, it was them playing early ball from midfielders in behind and wingers out wide early. I don't see that at Liverpool as yet. It's a bit of both. He had a serious injury last season but those two are going to have to do miles better if Liverpool are going to get into the top four."
Frosty return to St James' Park
Isak was given a frosty welcome on his return to St James' Park on Sunday as he was booed and jeered after leaving the Liverpool team bus and entering the stadium. That fierce reception carried on throughout the game, with the Swede booed and every mistake or tackle on him cheered.
The Reds ended up drawing the match 2-2, with Isak not stepping up to take a late penalty as Dominik Szoboszlai slammed home a stoppage-time leveller instead.
