Michael Owen believes Alexander Isak is beginning to “run out of excuses” at Liverpool after another frustrating performance in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against former club Newcastle United.
Isak endured a difficult return to St James’ Park as Liverpool twice came from behind before Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time penalty rescued a point.
The striker struggled to hold up the ball and failed to make the most of his opportunities, increasing the scrutiny surrounding Liverpool’s club-record signing.
Owen demands more from Isak
Isak’s difficult first season at Liverpool was disrupted by a broken leg and a lack of pre-season preparation.
However, Owen believes those explanations no longer carry the same weight after Isak finished last season playing, went to the World Cup and then completed a full pre-season.
“Now he is starting to run out of excuses,” Owen told talkSPORT.
“We need to see the real Isak. We saw how good he can be at Newcastle, but we haven't seen it in a red shirt yet.”
Owen was particularly concerned by Isak appearing short of sharpness against his former club.
“Against Newcastle, he was a yard off it, and that is worrying,” he added.
“He is the big-money signing, and I can't say he played well because he didn't.”
Liverpool need Isak to deliver
The pressure on Isak is increased by Liverpool’s current attacking situation.
Mohamed Salah has departed, while Hugo Ekitike is unavailable, leaving Andoni Iraola needing his main striker to become a reliable source of goals.
Isak managed only three Premier League goals last season, a return Liverpool cannot afford to see repeated.
Owen did defend the striker over one issue, however.
He believes Isak was right not to take Liverpool’s late penalty against Newcastle because Szoboszlai was the designated taker, particularly given the pressure surrounding the Swede on his return to St James’ Park.
Key Points
- Michael Owen believes Alexander Isak is “running out of excuses” at Liverpool.
- Isak struggled against former club Newcastle and failed to make a significant attacking impact.
- Owen says Liverpool now need to see the player who impressed at Newcastle.
- The pressure is increasing with Salah gone and Ekitike unavailable.
What’s Next?
Isak now needs to rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards at Newcastle. With Liverpool short of attacking options and expectations rising around their record signing, his performances over the next few weeks could become a major early storyline of Iraola’s season.
Do you agree with Michael Owen, or does Alexander Isak still deserve more time at Liverpool?
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