Ray Houghton Backs Alexander Isak to Hit 20 Goals for Liverpool
Alexander Isak’s early form has given Liverpool a far stronger return from their record British transfer investment, with the Sweden forward scoring four times in seven appearances during the opening weeks of 2026-27. After a difficult first season shaped by limited preparation and a broken leg, the 26-year-old has helped the Reds remain unbeaten across the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.
What changed for the club
Liverpool signed Isak after three productive years at Newcastle, expecting the forward to lead the line in the No.9 shirt. Those expectations were initially hard to meet. He arrived following a heavily interrupted pre-season, then sustained a broken leg after being injured against Tottenham, leaving him to regain fitness and rhythm during the campaign.
That disrupted first year brought fewer than five goals and prompted doubts over whether he could justify both the fee and the role. His start this season has been markedly different. Isak scored against Nottingham Forest, struck twice in the victory over Ipswich and supplied the only goal in the away win at Bournemouth.
Those four goals have already brought him level with his total from last term. Houghton believes a 20-goal season is realistic if Isak stays available, pointing to a player who now looks sharper, healthier and more confident.
- Isak has four goals in seven outings this season.
- His goals have come against Nottingham Forest, Ipswich and Bournemouth.
- He has equalled his previous season’s scoring total.
- Liverpool’s record signing is working from a better fitness base after extra conditioning work with Sweden at the World Cup.
Competition context
Houghton’s view is that Liverpool’s attacking options suit Isak’s strengths. The striker is most dangerous when making runs beyond the defensive line rather than dropping deep to link possession, with his pace allowing wide players such as Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz to feed passes into space.
Hugo Ekitike can provide a different profile when he returns from injury, taking on more of the link play and allowing Isak to remain high and stretch opponents. Houghton noted that Isak’s goals against Ipswich and Bournemouth came from arriving in the right areas at the right moment, a sign that his timing and movement are improving.
Isak’s prior Premier League experience at Newcastle remains an important factor. Liverpool do not need him to adapt to the division; the priority is supplying him consistently and preserving the physical condition that was missing last season.
The unbeaten beginning under Andoni Iraola has kept Liverpool competitive in all three competitions. If Isak continues to convert chances and Ekitike returns as planned, the squad has scope to turn a promising opening into a challenge for major silverware.
What is scheduled next
No specific next fixture has been set out, but Liverpool’s immediate decision is to manage Isak’s workload while maintaining the form that has transformed his start to the campaign. Keeping him fit is central to Houghton’s expectation that he can pass 20 goals, a mark he reached twice during his Newcastle spell.
The other significant squad development will be Ekitike’s eventual return from injury. His availability would give Iraola another central option and potentially allow Liverpool to balance Isak’s threat in behind with more support in the build-up phase as Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup commitments continue.
