Isak on the verge: Murphy backs Liverpool's new star as he chases peak form

Isak’s peak form may be closer than you think

Dani Murphy, the former Liverpool standout, has offered unwavering support for Sweden’s Alexander Isak, insisting the striker is close to reclaiming his best level and will soon showcase his true value with Liverpool. The veteran winger sees a quick return to top form once Isak settles into the rhythm of Premier League football with his new club.

In an exclusive interview with Goal, Murphy said Isak’s resurgence will come sooner rather than later, stressing that the forward deserves some leeway from fans and media due to a incomplete pre-season conditioning before the campaign began. This extra time will, according to Murphy, help him recapture the pace and sharpness that define his best days.

Murphy elaborated: “Yes, that makes sense. Isak’s situation is slightly different for two reasons — first, he’ll receive additional patience from supporters and the press because they know he didn’t have a full pre-season. He’s using match play to rebuild his fitness.”

The second reason Murphy cites is Isak’s proven Premier League pedigree. He has already shown what he can do, and that track record gives people confidence while shielding him from rapid criticism. Still, the pressure is real: arriving at a big club for a hefty fee comes with the expectation that you make an immediate impact.

Murphy continued: “I’m not worried about Isak. If you watch him, you’ll see moments that reveal his genuine quality, but you also notice fatigue and the need for more games — especially as a striker who thrives on that sharp edge when scoring. I firmly believe it’s only a matter of time for Isak.”

Liverpool, hungry for a much-needed attacking spark, faces Manchester United after three straight losses across competitions, a skid that has dropped the reigning champions to third in the Premier League standings.

Isak became the archetype of a record signing by moving to Liverpool for £125 million, yet he has managed just one goal in competitive action so far, with that strike coming in a League Cup tie against Southampton. He has yet to score in the league after three appearances, and Sunday’s meeting with United could be his next opportunity.

Fans expect Isak to rediscover his goal touch soon, acknowledging the lengthy and intricate summer transfer, which deprived him of full pre-season preparation. Liverpool are nevertheless continuing to tailor his role and help him adapt to life as their first-choice number nine.

Manager Arne Slot underscored that the time has come to judge Isak’s readiness. The 26-year-old impressed for Sweden during the October international window, a period that helped him climb to a higher level of match fitness. Slot added that physical readiness is almost there, and fair assessment should begin now rather than later.

“From a physical standpoint, he is now close to where he needs to be, and we can judge him fairly from now on,” Slot said. “In the first five or six weeks, the player we bought existed but wasn’t fully ready. He gradually built up fitness through league and Champions League matches.”

Slot also addressed the pressure on Isak to produce goals, noting that the striker must adapt to the demanding environment: “You have to be at your best to make a difference at this level. He has done it before; the main task now is to stay physically ready, so our team can continue to create chances and shoot with volume. There is another area we need to improve significantly, and that is defending set-pieces.”

Liverpool now faces a demanding run of fixtures until the next international break, starting with a renewed league duel against United, then a European voyage to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, followed by a trip to Brentford and a cup tie with Crystal Palace. A home clash with Aston Villa, a tough continental test against Real Madrid, and a visit to Manchester City on the schedule complete a hectic period.

Punchline 1: If patience were a shot on target, Isak would already be top scorer—the goal is loading, but the suspense is elite marksman quality.

Punchline 2: Isak’s net-busting timing is so precise, even the scoreboard needs a moment to blink in disbelief.