Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk highly praised the quality of Alexander Isak after the Swedish player scored a brace, securing the team's victory over Ipswich. This match marked the Reds' first win under Arne Slot in Ipswich.
Isak scored both goals in the match, which ended 2-0, within the first ten minutes of play. Thus, he increased his goal tally for the season to three in three matches.
After an expensive transfer from Newcastle for £125 million last year, Isak's first season at Liverpool was marred by issues with injuries and physical condition. Nevertheless, he has already matched his Premier League goal tally from the previous season.
Van Dijk expressed confidence that Isak will return to the level that made him one of the most sought-after forwards in the world. 'I don't think there is any doubt about his quality,' Van Dijk told Sky Sports. He added that last year was unsuccessful due to a serious injury, and success depends on daily hard work aimed at a speedy recovery.
'I believe he had a very good World Cup, a very good pre-season, and now he is gaining momentum. We have seen how good he is in the game, and now he will show the world in the Liverpool shirt,' Van Dijk continued.
Previously, Isak was on the bench for three months last season following a fibula fracture and hopes that the difficult first year at Liverpool is finally behind him. Isak himself noted that it was not easy, as the injury was long and the season overall challenging. He reported that he initially planned to perform well at the World Cup and then start the season successfully, which, in his opinion, has already happened.
Both of Isak's goals were assists from Cody Gakpo, who almost left Liverpool this week. Reports suggested a move to Manchester City was under discussion if Liverpool could find a replacement in the final days of the transfer window. However, Van Dijk is glad that his teammate, a Dutch citizen, remained at the club. 'I said this even before the transfer window closed, he is important to us,' Van Dijk added. 'He demonstrated this again today with assists, as well as in the last couple of years, so let's keep up the good work.'