Isak masterclass will excite Iraola - who else needs a good World Cup?
- Published
Alexander Isak's record £125m move to Liverpool from Newcastle United became a nightmare of lost form and injuries in a disappointing campaign, with the Swede scoring only four goals in 22 appearances.
The 26-year-old striker arrived short of fitness after a period of self-imposed exile on Tyneside, then broke his leg when scoring Liverpool's goal in a 2-1 win at Spurs in December.
Andoni Iraola, therefore, will have been thrilled to see Isak showing scintillating form of old as he was instrumental as Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their World Cup opener in Monterrey.
Isak may have been the beneficiary of a goalkeeping error for his first-half goal, but the manner in which he ran at the Tunisia defence then showed the confidence to shoot will surely have heartened Iraola.
He demonstrated strength and awareness to rob Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri and set up a goal for strike partner Viktor Gyokeres in the second half. It made Isak and Gyokeres only the second pair of Sweden team-mates to each record a goal and an assist in a World Cup match since 1966.
Isak looked fit and in form, being named man of the match before going off in the closing seconds - and with fellow Reds striker Hugo Ekitike out until next year with an Achilles tendon injury, Iraola will want Isak in peak condition next season.
Isak was among a number of Reds players on show at the World Cup on Sunday, but which do you think needs to have a good tournament for their country most?
Read more about what Iraola can take from the World Cup so far here
And watch highlights of Isak and Sweden's display below...
