Alexander Isak Makes His Liverpool Bow: Lukewarm Start or Promising Signs?

Alexander Isak Makes His Liverpool Bow: Lukewarm Start or Promising Signs?

Liverpool left it late to win on another dramatic European night at Anfield. Virgil Van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sealed the victory and ensured the Reds opened their campaign with a win.

After Alexander Isak was omitted from the Burnley matchday squad, fans expected the record-signing to play only a bit-part role against Atletico Madrid. So when Liverpool named the Swede in the starting XI, every eye turned to the £130 million man.

After a summer filled with drama, Isak finally got his wish, and Liverpool finally got their man. We analyse his first outing in Red.

Isak makes his Reds debut tonight 🤩🔴 pic.twitter.com/PfaPZedY3f

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 17, 2025

Dusting Off The Cobwebs

Isak made no secret of downing tools after last season, revealing that the St James’ Park hierarchy broke specific promises. Instead of focusing on intense pre-season training, he endured a media circus and poor preparation.

He completed a Premier League record transfer to Liverpool on deadline day and made a brief cameo for Sweden during the international break. After sitting out the Burnley game, Isak finally made his highly anticipated bow last night against Atletico Madrid.

Positive Takes

Isak showed no lack of confidence despite the occasion and everything surrounding it. He demanded the ball whenever possible, and as he did at Newcastle, he frequently drifted into the left channel.

This fluidity consistently pulled him away from his marker and opened up opportunities to run with the ball. On several occasions, he went for goal without hesitation—precisely what you want from a striker. He unleashed his shots with speed and minimal backlift, producing the type of strikes that keepers hate facing.

Isak also displayed early signs of clever interplay with fellow record signing Florian Wirtz, something fans are desperate to see more of.

Florian Wirtz x Alexander Isak linkup
pic.twitter.com/pmoNWWP7Ly

— 🃏 (@kfjcomps_) September 18, 2025

It is hard to gauge the success of a debut, and it is perhaps easier to say that it was not bad in any way. He will be relieved to have stepped out onto the pitch and now has the bit between his teeth to impress for his new side.

Room For Improvement

Nobody expected Isak to deliver his prime Newcastle form from the first whistle. He lacks sharpness, still adjusting to new teammates while carrying the weight of unprecedented attention.

As the half wore on, his rust became more obvious. Heavy touches crept in, and his understanding with teammates faltered. But most new signings endure the same struggles.

Alexander Isak on his debut for Liverpool

- 25 touches ⚽️
- 2 shots (1 on target) ➡️
- 4 touches in opposition box 👀
- 2 passes into final third 👉
- 0 times dispossessed 🔒
- 1 chance created 😯 pic.twitter.com/UEUjYujTCT

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 17, 2025

Arne Slot will still want Isak to settle quickly, especially with Hugo Ekitike waiting in the wings and already adapting well to Premier League life, as it remains to be seen if the two will be able to operate at the same time.

Florian Wirtz has already learned that every new signing in this Premier League era faces scrutiny from the moment they arrive. For Isak, the perfect remedy would be an early goal to provide the confidence boost all strikers crave.

He won’t have long to wait. Liverpool hosts Everton on Saturday lunchtime, and if he recovers well from last night, Isak will be desperate to open his account in the Merseyside derby.

More To Come

A 58-minute cameo offers only a limited glimpse of what Isak can bring, but the positives shone through. If he reaches the same heights he managed at Newcastle, Liverpool will possess an incredible player—and for £130 million, they need him to be just that.

🔥 Alexander Isak – 2024/25 Season 🇸🇪 (Newcastle)

📊 34 PL Apps | ⚽ 23 Goals | 🎯 6 Assists
🥈 2nd Top Scorer in Premier League
🎩 Hat-trick vs Ipswich | ⚡ Fastest NUFC away goal (25s)
📈 xG: 20.5 | 31% Shot Conversionpic.twitter.com/aXmNCQAiiO

— Football Pundit (@footballpunditX) August 1, 2025