On the surface, it is clear why Liverpool is interested in acquiring Alexander Isak. The talented striker is set to turn 26 later this month and has already netted more than 20 goals in the Premier League during each of the past two seasons—a feat matched only by the prolific Erling Haaland. However, Isak brings more to the table than just his goal-scoring prowess; he embodies the qualities of a modern centre-forward.
In the past, particularly 30 or 40 years ago when the 4-4-2 formation was prevalent, strike pairings typically fell into two categories: the target-man and finisher duo or the creator and finisher combination. Today's elite centre-forwards, however, combine traits from all these roles. While the days of iconic partnerships like Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush or Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips have faded, football has welcomed players like Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko, and Radamel Falcao—forwards who blend pace with physicality and technical skill.
Haaland, towering at 6ft 5in, exemplifies this blend of size and speed, making him a standout in the current generation of strikers. However, Isak, standing at 6ft 4in, is part of a new wave of forwards who embody similar attributes. Other notable strikers such as Benjamin Sesko and Nick Woltemade (both 6ft 5in), alongside Viktor Gyökeres and Hugo Ekitiké (6ft 2in), share this modern profile and are not categorized as traditional target men.
While Alexander Isak may not have been particularly dominant in aerial duels historically, he has shown improvement, scoring four headed goals out of his 23 last season. One of his most memorable moments came when he scored the winning goal against Arsenal, connecting with an outswinging cross from Anthony Gordon. His ability to run the channels and operate across the front line makes him a versatile threat, capable of receiving the ball in both wide and central positions.
Although Isak primarily played as a central striker at Real Sociedad, he frequently showcased his adaptability by also taking on roles on the left and right flanks. This versatility aligns perfectly with Liverpool’s attacking style—especially with players like Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah who naturally cut inside. This fluidity could create a dynamic forward line, allowing Isak to utilize clever movement to meet crosses rather than simply overpowering defenders.
As Liverpool considers its long-term strategy, planning for life after Salah becomes essential. At 33 years old, Salah's contract is set to expire in 2027, making next summer a sensible time for the club to consider his future. Without Salah, Liverpool may no longer need to adhere strictly to the 4-3-3 formation that has defined their play for the last decade. Interestingly, Slot, Liverpool's manager, has a penchant for wide forwards, which could further influence the team's tactical approach.
Despite the drama and significant financial investments during the recent transfer window, Liverpool has managed to maintain a similar number of forwards as in the previous season. The tragic passing of Diogo Jota has created an opportunity for the club to fill a gap in their squad. With the departures of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz, and the arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Ekitiké, and Isak, Liverpool's squad appears to have comparable depth to last year, but potentially boasts greater quality.
However, a concern arises regarding the squad's composition. While there are numerous attacking options, Liverpool may find themselves lacking depth in the midfield area. If Szoboszlai can effectively adapt to a right-back role, Slot could have various strategies at his disposal to counterbalance any shortcomings.
