Following Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday night, a disturbing fact regarding Alexander Isak surfaced. The Reds suffered back-to-back defeats for only the second time under Arne Slot, having also been downed late by Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend.
So far, the Premier League champions haven’t been able to replicate their success from previous season. Even their seven-game winning streak in all competitions at the start of the season hinted that trouble was on the way. Late goals have typically covered up the holes, but after a summer of huge expenditure, Liverpool appears no stronger in attack and worryingly vulnerable in defence.
On deadline day, Isak, who was at the core of the summer’s biggest transfer controversy, agreed to a British-record £125 million transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool. While he has gradually increased his fitness and match sharpness in order to make a bigger contribution, a statistic from his 36-minute cameo in Istanbul reveals he is still a long way from reaching the standard required to start over Hugo Ekitike.
Shocking Alexander Isak Stats From Liverpool’s Loss Against Galatasaray
Liverpool’s recruitment team put so much attention on rebuilding the attacking line that many predicted the Reds to destroy clubs this season. Regardless of defensive flaws, the idea was that Slot’s offensive firepower would allow the champs to outscore the majority of their opponents.
However, with the team looking fragmented across the pitch, the forwards have scarcely had an opportunity to live up to their expectations. The statistic that Isak was left out in the cold after coming off the bench in the 62nd minute against Galatasaray highlights the point. He only touched the ball four times and completed two passes. See the following:
Much of Liverpool’s lack of inventiveness can be attributed to Florian Wirtz, who Jamie Carragher has argued should be sacked after having to adjust to English football early in his Merseyside tenure. However, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo have both showed a considerable drop in form compared to previous season.
Slot does not appear to be as familiar with his best lineup or whatever formation suited his players as he was during the excellent 2024/25 season. This was demonstrated by his decision to play Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing in Turkey and Dominik Szoboszlai at right back. While there’s no need to panic just yet, something will have to change in the coming weeks, as much of the season’s promise is beginning to disappear.
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