Alexander Isak's performances at the World Cup are set to benefit Liverpool, as the £125m striker rediscovers his form, according to former Reds defender Phil Thompson and veteran manager Sam Allardyce.
Isak scored once and provided two assists in Sweden's 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their tournament opener in Monterrey. The former Newcastle star looked sharp, building on a fine goal in a friendly against Norway.
His form contrasts sharply with his injury-hit debut season at Liverpool, where he scored just four goals in 22 appearances. Thompson dismissed criticism of Isak, citing his lack of fitness and a broken leg suffered in December against Tottenham.
“He needs to play football matches – he’s not played!” Thompson said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast. “Because he had controversy last pre-season, he never got a pre-season. Sam will tell you. If you don’t have that under your belt, then you come back and you’re playing catch-up.”
Allardyce agreed that the World Cup provides valuable game time. “The World Cup's a good thing for him. If he plays every game, that's good for Liverpool, as it gives him some catch-up time against the rest,” he said. “He can really benefit from the games, because he's not tired. He's not fatigued, as he hasn't done anything this season because of the injuries.”
Allardyce added: “It'll be a good thing if he plays all the games and how far they go, then it links into pre-season with Liverpool and then he could be a major force next season.”
Isak will face familiar opponents in Sweden's next match against the Netherlands, featuring Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo, in Houston, Texas on Saturday.
