Alexander Isak has dismissed any lingering thoughts about his difficult debut season at Liverpool, insisting he is fully focused on enjoying a successful World Cup with Sweden. The 26-year-old striker, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United last September for a British record £125 million, endured a frustrating campaign hampered by fitness and injury issues, managing just five goal contributions—four goals and one assist—in 22 appearances.
Strong World Cup Start for Isak
Isak has made a bright start to the World Cup, scoring and creating two goals in Sweden's 5-1 win over Tunisia, followed by an assist in a 5-1 defeat to Holland. Speaking ahead of Sweden's crucial final group game against Japan, Isak said: "Club team and national team are two very separate things. When I joined the national team, I had absolutely no thoughts about anything other than Sweden and the World Cup."
His outing against Tunisia was his first 90-minute appearance in over a year, and he appears to have rediscovered his form. "It's clear that it's nice to have a good World Cup, and you want to do it even better all the time. I feel like I'm in a good place now. And hopefully I can continue to do well," he added.
Physical and Mental Recovery
Isak's debut season at Liverpool was plagued by injuries, but he now feels fully fit. "Now I feel good, very good. But it's hard to put your finger on what your maximum is, you never know. But I have nothing to complain about right now when it comes to my physical status," he said.
The striker has been deployed in a more withdrawn role alongside Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, and the partnership is flourishing. "It's felt good. It's worked well in the matches. It's clear that you're a bit more of a playmaker, playing others forward instead of being the one making the deep runs yourself. But I'm enjoying it there," Isak explained. "We are two talented players who want the best for the team. We get along really well, just like the whole team."
Liverpool's Future and World Cup Ambitions
While Isak's club form has been disappointing, his World Cup performances offer hope for Liverpool fans. Sweden still have a chance to qualify for the knockout stages, needing a result against Japan. Isak's focus remains firmly on international duty, with no distractions from his club struggles. "When I joined the national team, I had absolutely no thoughts about anything other than Sweden and the World Cup," he reiterated.
