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Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes the Premier League will finally see the real Alexander (26) Isak as the record £125m signing approaches full fitness ahead of Sunday’s Anfield showdown with Manchester United.
The Swedish striker endured a stop-start beginning to life on Merseyside following his summer move from Newcastle United, having missed pre-season amid drawn-out transfer negotiations. Since arriving, Isak has managed just one goal in six appearances, but Slot insists the 26-year-old’s “season starts now.”
“Fitness-wise, he is close to the level he should be, and we can judge him in a fair way from now on,” Slot said, speaking to Sky Sports. “He’s had his five, six weeks of proper work, now he’s ready.”
Liverpool enter the clash in fragile form, having lost three consecutive matches in all competitions, a rare slump for a club that lifted the Premier League trophy just months ago. The pressure on Slot has intensified, with concerns over both performance levels and the team’s fluidity in attack.
Alongside Isak, Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister have faced scrutiny. Salah’s four goals in 10 appearances mark a dip by his own elite standards, while Mac Allister has struggled for rhythm after an injury-disrupted summer.
Slot, however, remains confident his star names will soon rediscover their spark. “They are players with incredible experience. When they hit their rhythm, we will be back at the level everyone expects,” he said.
GFN | Finn Entwistle
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