Liverpool fans are having to be patient with record signing Alexander Isak following his summer arrival.
The Reds splashed an extraordinary amount of money in order to bring Isak from Newcastle on transfer deadline day.
Despite securing his status as a club legend by leading the Magpies to the Carabao Cup last year, the Swede burnt his bridges in the North East and is now seen as a pariah on Tyneside.
One debate amongst Newcastle fans at the time was one of who was worse, Isak or Andy Cole?
Cole upped sticks from St James’ Park to join then Premier League title rivals Manchester United in 1995. Nobody at Newcastle has ever forgiven him.
But whatever Toon fans may think of him, Cole knows a thing or two about finding the back of the net. And the United treble winner has now weighed in on whether Isak can put his tough start at Liverpool behind him and be a success with the Reds.
Andy Cole backs Alexander Isak to come good
There are mitigating factors behind Isak’s early difficulties at Liverpool, with fitness troubles and the poor form of the team playing a part.
According to Cole, the way things ended with Newcastle may also be a reason for the 26-year-old taking time to adapt.
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“In Isak’s case, you know, it’s been a tough start for him,” the 54-year-old told Sky Sports.
“The way the deal’s come about as well. People can look at that and say, ‘well, we should have done this, we should have done that.’ But all he’s got to do now, just get his head down, keep working, and fingers crossed it works out.”
Asked whether he thinks it will work out based on Isak’s time with Newcastle, Cole suggested that although Liverpool fans might have to be patient, things will ultimately work out fine.
“Yeah, you don’t become a bad player overnight,” said the United legend. “It might take him a little bit of time. You know, Newcastle, he was the main guy up front. You’re going to Liverpool now, you’re not the main guy up front anymore.”
Isak ready for crucial Liverpool period
Liverpool fans have largely been understanding about Isak’s situation and have accepted that it may be a little while before they see the best of him.
When will Alexander Isak hit form for Liverpool?
“Every Liverpool player and fan knows that when Alexander Isak hits form, or whenever it clicks, he’s going to be a problem.”
Adebayo Akinfenwa on Alexander Isak
However, the Sweden international has now had plenty of time to get up to speed. Once he returns from international duty in November more will be expected of him.
Thankfully, as Cole alludes to, Isak is surely too good – and too well versed in the Premier League – not to score goals for Liverpool.
Once Arne Slot gets him and Hugo Ekitike in the same team and can finally build properly around them, the No. 9 will hopefully begin to fire.
If not, then the criticism will grow louder, and some will start to wonder if Liverpool haven’t just waited a bucket load of cash.
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