Liverpool supporters have expressed growing frustration with Alexander Isak following the Reds’ 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League.
In a Mohamed Salah-less lineup, Liverpool traveled to the San Siro, but the encounter proved largely uneventful and lacking the attacking spark fans had hoped to see. Throughout the match, Arne Slot’s side struggled to convert their chances, a recurring issue for the team this season.
Early in the first half, centre-back Ibrahima Konate appeared to give Liverpool the lead, only for the goal to be disallowed. Replays showed that Virgil van Dijk’s header had inadvertently struck Hugo Ekitike’s arm in the buildup, nullifying the effort. Despite starting upfront alongside Ekitike, Isak failed to make a meaningful impact, drawing sharp criticism from supporters on social media.
The Sweden international arrived at Liverpool in a high-profile move from Newcastle United, reportedly costing the club £125 million plus add-ons, and was expected to be a game-changer. However, his performance has fallen short of expectations. In 14 appearances for Liverpool so far, Isak has managed only two goals and one assist, with his last goal coming in the 2-0 victory against West Ham on November 30.
On Tuesday, Isak produced another underwhelming display, though Liverpool secured victory thanks to a controversial late penalty. Referee Felix Zwayer awarded the spot-kick after ruling that Alessandro Bastoni had fouled substitute Florian Wirtz, who had replaced Isak in the 68th minute. Dominik Szoboszlai calmly converted from 12 yards, securing the win and moving Liverpool to eighth place in the 36-team group stage after six matches.
Despite the result, Isak was once again the focus of intense scrutiny from fans. Social media reactions were unflinching: one supporter remarked, “I really hope Isak improves, but you can’t help feeling he’s been an expensive mistake. We clearly needed a right winger, not a No. 9, and that’s still the case. Our priorities lie in defence, midfield, and the wings rather than another striker.”
Others were even more critical. “It’s long enough now to say Isak is awful, genuinely the worst striker I’ve seen at the club,” one fan stated. Another questioned the rationale behind his record-breaking transfer: “Can someone at the club explain why so much money was spent on Isak? He’s a flop.”
Additional opinions highlighted doubts over his valuation and comparison to other players: “It’s not even close. Isak is worth at most £40 million. You’ll soon see this isn’t temporary. Any £40-60 million striker in Newcastle’s system would look like a £120 million player here,” one fan wrote. Another noted, “Alexander Isak has been the worst striker signing I’ve ever witnessed. Even worse, Hugo Ekitike has overshadowed him entirely with his performances.”
Liverpool now shift focus back to domestic action as they prepare to face Brighton at Anfield on Saturday, hoping to find consistency and rediscover the attacking edge that has so far eluded them in key moments this season
