Writer for the Kop Times, Dinesh Vijaykumar examines rumours linking Liverpool with Swedish prodigy Alexander Isak.
Even with the transfer window shut, Liverpool is constantly linked with new players. The Reds seem to be in the race for Alexander Isak, who has been dubbed ‘the new Zlatan Ibrahimovic’. The 17-year-old striker plays for AIK in Sweden and is making quite a name for himself.
The Swede has already scored nine goals in 22 appearances for the side and is on the radar of a number of clubs. Isak made his debut for the side in February 2016 and his rise has been meteoric, to say the least.
Signing the player will not be easy for the Reds, though. Swedish paper Sport, cited by the Liverpool Echo) claim that Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all targeting the rising star. The youngster does have great potential and bringing him to Anfield could be seen as a coup.
Has the potential to be the next Zlatan
Being compared with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at any stage of your career is a big deal. The 17-year-old has six goals in the league but his build is similar to the Manchester United star. Towering at 6 ft 3 in, the youngster seems built for the rough and tumble world of English football.
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His teammates also believe that Isak will go a long way. Isak’s AIK teammate Obasi was quoted by FotbollSkanalen as saying, “He is a great potential, and I absolutely believe that he will go far.
“If he concentrates and continues as he is, I think he can become Sweden’s next Ibrahimovic.
“He has the potential, everyone can see it.”
Liverpool doesn’t need any more forwards
The rumour does seem to be a little off, to say the least. Liverpool has a number of young strikers in their side already. Danny Ings and Divock Origi are in the first team, while Daniel Sturridge cannot break into the starting XI. Roberto Firmino is the player who plays as the main striker for the Reds.
The Merseyside club also has Ben Woodburn, who is making a name for himself in the U23 squad. The Reds could be planning for the future, but signing Isak at this moment does not seem to make sense.
Jurgen Klopp’s playing style does not need an out-and-out striker. Rather what the boss needs is a player who is willing to press and harry the opposition. Isak does not seem to be that kind of striker at the moment. It would, however, be interesting to see how Klopp could develop the striker, should he join the Reds.
Isak does not seem to be that kind of striker at the moment. It would, however, be interesting to see how Klopp could develop the striker, should he join the Reds.
The German manager did have Robert Lewandowski to work with at Dortmund, who is a lanky striker. Furthermore, Isak does fit into that mould but a lot of work would have to be done if he is to turn into a great.
The Merseyside club would also be a better option for Isak should he decide to leave Sweden. Liverpool does have a great academy and Klopp is known to give youngsters a chance to perform. We will just have to wait and see how things pan out but it seems that Isak does have a bright future.