Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hit back at critics of underperforming striker Alexander Isak, but admitted his side must help involve him more.
Reds boss Slot has leapt to the defence of Isak after fresh criticism this week, insisting the club-record signing is being unfairly judged.
Isak’s start to life at Anfield has been complicated by a disrupted pre-season, and Liverpool’s own dip in form has magnified concerns.
Liverpool made Alexander Isak the most expensive deadline day signing in Premier League history when they completed a deal with Newcastle worth £125 million plus add-ons.
But having scored just two goals in 12 appearances, fans are growing impatient with the Swedish international.
Isak’s lack of involvement has drawn attention after registering just 13 touches at West Ham, and 14 against Sunderland.
But Arne Slot believes many are missing the bigger picture.
Arne Slot Robustly Defends Alexander Isak
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leeds United, Slot defended his man.
The Dutch coach highlighted Isak’s low average number of touches at Newcastle, suggesting such stats are normal in today’s Premier League.
“He had 22 touches for Newcastle, so strikers don’t have loads of touches,” Slot explained.
“He is not the only number nine that suffers from not getting as many chances. It is obvious and clear that we want to bring him into more threatening situations.”
It’s not just going forward that has been an issue for Liverpool, though.
Veteran defender Virgil Van Dijk was criticised heavily after Wednesday’s’ 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
And with Liverpool shifting to a more compact tactical shape in recent weeks in order to tighten up defensively, the supply to Isak has been reduced.
Slot added: “We haven’t been able to create too many chances lately because we are less offensive.
“It’s on my list of things to improve. Get the number nine more involved in the game and more involved in the final third.
“It’s not ideal to have an average of 14 touches per game.”
But Slot stressed that touches alone do not define an elite striker’s ability.
He referenced Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who this week became the fastest man ever to reach 100 Premier League goals.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Haaland doesn’t touch the ball many times, but he scores a lot.
“It’s more important to touch the ball at the right moment than to touch it many times,” Slot said.
“That’s the big difference between Haaland and Alex right now. Haaland touches it more often in moments that matter. We and he have to improve, that’s obvious.”
Liverpool’s Creative Struggles Aren’t Helping Isak Situation
Liverpool’s inability to create chances and consistently feed their record signing has only exacerbated things.
Isak’s movement has often been sharp, but the service to him has been lacking.
This has been particularly evident in recent matches, where Liverpool have looked anxious and risk-averse.
Slot again referenced other teams in the league when defending Isak’s involvement.
“I watched Leeds against City and I watched Chelsea, and at this level the number nine isn’t involved in eight, nine, ten chances every half,” he noted.
The Reds boss remains convinced of Liverpool’s ability to get the best out of Isak.
His well-taken goal against West Ham last weekend – his first Premier League strike in red – was a big psychological hurdle overcome.
Room For Optimism For Arne Slot And Isak
Despite widespread concern, Slot insists performances are trending in the right direction.
Liverpool have taken four points from their last two league matches and have tightened up defensively after shipping seven goals in consecutive home defeats.
“In the last two games we were one deflection away from two clean sheets. That’s a step forward,” he said.
“There are positives, but we’re still not where we want to be. Let that be obvious and clear.”
Slot knows Liverpool need more from their £125m forward. But he is adamant that judging him on touches, rather than chances, is a misunderstanding of how modern strikers operate.
For now, the message from the manager remains clear.
Liverpool must improve their service to Isak, and he must take the chances he is presented with.
