Why Liverpool Must Sign Alexander Isak This Summer – Video Analysis | OneFootball

Should Liverpool Gamble on Alexander Isak? Video Analysis by Paneka LFC

Liverpool are at a crossroads once more. With the Arne Slot era now in motion and a squad that faces uncertainly in serveral areas this Summer, the clamour for a clinical number nine has grown deafening. Panenka LFC’s recent deep-dive into Alexander Isak presents a compelling, if cautious, case for the Newcastle United striker.

Box Occupation and Number Nine Dilemma

“Why are we bringing all this up?” one of the hosts asked, pointing to a moment where Diaz found himself crossing into a sea of Newcastle shirts with only Mohamed Salah attacking space. “This moment perfectly highlights how poor our box occupation is.”

This critique of Liverpool’s current forward options set the stage. Diogo Jota was dubbed “more effective when playing as a false nine,” while Darwin Nunez, for all his promise, “has never really found a consistent level of performances.”

It’s this tactical void that makes Isak’s name more than just idle chatter. “The 25-year-old has already bagged 19 Premier League goals this season,” the contributor pointed out. “And at first glance, he seems like an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s Liverpool.”

Isak’s Lethal Edge and Tactical Intelligence

Stats and clips back up the argument. “He scored 19 goals from an XG of 15.6,” they noted. “That’s not a fluke—over the last six seasons… he has consistently outperformed his XG.”

Panenka LFC went beyond the numbers, showcasing how Isak’s movement and awareness separate him from the pack. “That slight nudge does two things: it throws the defender off balance and gives Isak just enough space to move freely.”

One of the most cutting remarks came in comparison to Liverpool’s current forwards: “Jota has only scored 14 goals from the 6-yard box. Darwin Nunez has just five. And no, we’re not talking about this season alone—we’re talking about their entire Premier League careers.”

They called Isak’s inside-the-box prowess a game-changer: “Movement, positioning and overall dominance inside the box”—something Slot’s Liverpool is sorely lacking.

Photo: IMAGO

More Than Just a Goal Scorer

Panenka LFC were effusive in praise of Isak’s technical ability, with one contributor noting: “He’s not just a physical presence, he’s also so incredibly silky on the ball.” The assist against Everton was called “pure class,” and they added, “He ranks third among all strikers in the Premier League for expected assists, shot assists, and key passes.”

There was admiration for Isak’s versatility too: “He’s not just limited to playing as a traditional number nine. He can drift into wide areas, particularly on the left wing, and even drop deeper into midfield.”

But despite their glowing praise, Panenka didn’t shy away from concerns.

Photo: IMAGO

Injury Record and Financial Gamble

“This is where the big dilemma comes in,” they admitted. “Does it really make sense to invest that much in one player with a history of injuries?”

Since joining Newcastle, Isak has missed 39 games due to various knocks. Add to that his supposed price tag—”we don’t see Isak being available for anything less than £90 million”—and suddenly the dream signing carries serious risk.

There was also a tactical warning. “His defensive work rate might not be at the required level,” they said, citing Slot’s pressing ethos. “Adding another attacker who isn’t fully engaged in pressing could affect our out-of-possession structure.”

Still, they closed with cautious optimism: “He’s the complete package… but there are real concerns.”