Andoni Iraola has backed Alexander Isak to deliver big numbers for Liverpool, but the Spanish manager has made it clear that goals alone will not be enough.
Isak announced himself in emphatic fashion at Portman Road, scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes to fire Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town and hand Iraola his first Premier League win as Reds boss.
The Swedish striker’s quickfire double was exactly the response Liverpool supporters had been waiting for after an injury-hit first campaign at Anfield. Isak managed only four goals in 22 appearances last season, but his latest performance immediately reminded everyone why Liverpool invested heavily to bring him to Merseyside.
Iraola, however, believes there is much more to come.
The Liverpool boss expressed complete confidence that a fully fit Isak will consistently deliver in front of goal, insisting that his fitness and availability could be the key to unlocking the striker’s best form.
“If he’s fit, if he’s available, if he’s in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers,” Iraola said.
But then came the interesting part.
Iraola revealed that his biggest demands of Isak will not actually revolve around scoring goals. Instead, he wants the £125 million forward to become a greater contributor to Liverpool’s overall game.
The manager wants Isak to press, work for his teammates, help the team in different situations and play his part in the collective structure.
“My demands with Alex will not be about the goals,” Iraola explained. “I will demand other things so we can play well and if we play well, we are in good positions, the goals will come.”
That philosophy was already visible against Ipswich.
Liverpool’s aggressive pressing allowed them to win the ball higher up the pitch and get Isak into dangerous positions. Iraola specifically highlighted the importance of recovering possession in advanced areas because it gives the striker more space and better opportunities to attack.
And when Liverpool created those opportunities, Isak showed absolutely no mercy.
Both of his goals were assisted by Cody Gakpo, whose creativity played a huge role in Liverpool’s blistering start. The combination between Gakpo and Isak could quickly become one of the most dangerous attacking partnerships in Iraola’s system.
There is also a bigger message behind Iraola’s comments.
The Liverpool manager is not simply looking for a striker who waits inside the penalty area. He wants Isak involved in the entire attacking machine. If Liverpool’s No. 9 can combine his elite finishing and movement with greater defensive intensity and collective work, his numbers could become frightening.
For Isak, the message is simple: keep scoring, but give Iraola everything else too.
After a difficult first season, the striker now has three league goals this campaign, and his latest performance has already sparked belief that the real Alexander Isak may finally be arriving at Anfield.
Liverpool paid the money for a world-class goalscorer.
Iraola now wants to turn him into a complete weapon.