Michael Owen Explains Why Liverpool Are Backing Alexander Isak Despite Slow Start
Alexander Isak heads into Liverpool’s visit to Bournemouth on Sunday still seeking a sustained run of form, despite the club remaining unbeaten in every competition during the opening weeks of the 2026-27 campaign.
The Sweden forward arrived at Anfield from Newcastle United for a British-record fee, but his first season on Merseyside was disrupted from the outset. Having completed the transfer after pushing for a move, Isak joined without the benefit of a full summer preparation programme. A broken leg in December 2025 then halted his efforts to establish rhythm and confidence.
Now 26, Isak has shown glimpses of his quality, scoring three goals across consecutive Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Ipswich. He has, however, failed to score in his last three appearances, with scrutiny growing over his broader influence and ability to meet the expectations attached to his transfer.
Owen urges patience over Liverpool’s record signing
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen does not believe fitness remains the principal issue for Isak. He noted that the forward returned to action before the end of last season, played at the World Cup and subsequently completed a full pre-season.
Owen argued that Liverpool’s collective difficulties last term have placed disproportionate attention on Isak and Florian Wirtz, the side’s two costliest arrivals. Dominik Szoboszlai was the exception in a squad where, in Owen’s view, few players consistently performed to their level.
He pointed to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool teams as an example of how momentum can alter perceptions of players. Andy Robertson, James Milner and Jordan Henderson were sometimes underestimated individually, Owen said, but became regarded as central figures when the team was winning regularly.
“When the whole side is struggling, it is difficult for a major signing,” Owen said. “The focus has gone on Isak, and to some degree Wirtz, largely because of the money paid for them. There was much more wrong with Liverpool than those two players last season.”
Wirtz also under pressure after £116m arrival
Wirtz remains another high-profile player working to rediscover his best level at Anfield. The Germany international cost £116m, or $155m, and carries significant responsibility as Liverpool’s creative link for Isak and the rest of the attack.
Liverpool have one match left before the first international break of the season. They travel to Bournemouth, the former club of their head coach Andoni Iraola, on Sunday looking to preserve their unbeaten start and give Isak another opportunity to build on his recent goalscoring spell.
