Alexander Isak, a blockbuster signing worth nearly £150 million, has become a headline for the wrong reasons, establishing a record that has endured for over a century at Liverpool.
In the early hours of November 23, Isak continued to frustrate fans by failing to score, managing only 15 touches in 67 minutes during a 0-3 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the 12th round of the Premier League.
The Swedish striker is now the first player in Liverpool’s history in more than 100 years to lose his first four starts in the top flight. He has matched a disheartening record set in 1906 by defender Percy Saul, who witnessed Liverpool’s consecutive defeats against Sunderland, Birmingham, Everton, and Arsenal during the 1906/07 season.
Isak’s downward spiral began with a disappointing 1-2 loss to Crystal Palace last September, coinciding with a steep decline in Liverpool’s performance after a five-match winning streak. In his following two roles as a starter against Chelsea and Manchester United, the Anfield side recorded back-to-back 1-2 losses. Most recently, Coach Arne Slot’s team faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest.
Currently, Isak has netted only 1 goal and provided 1 assist in 9 appearances for Liverpool, with his solitary goal coming in the Carabao Cup against lower-tier Southampton.
The pressure of such a hefty transfer fee has hindered Isak from asserting himself on the field. Nonetheless, Liverpool fans still hold out hope that this talented Swedish international will soon adapt to the demands of the Premier League and regain his lost form.