Van Dijk hails Swedish-Eritrean striker Alexander Isak’s quality and urges patience as Liverpool build his fitness

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says new signing Alexander Isak has already made an impressive start in training and is eager to make his mark at Anfield, but stressed the focus is now on building the striker’s fitness and understanding of the team ahead of their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

Isak, born in Sweden to Eritrean parents, joined Liverpool from Newcastle United on deadline day for £125 million ($169.5 million) and has yet to make his debut for the Premier League leaders.

The 25-year-old was absent for Sunday’s 1-0 win at Burnley but has been named in the squad for Tuesday’s fixture at Anfield, where Liverpool are on a 14-match winning run in European competition.

Speaking at a pre-match media briefing, Van Dijk said Isak is still adapting after missing months of competitive football.

“Very good impression, very eager. Obviously the quality he’s been showing already since the first session,” the Dutchman said.

“Only positives and off the pitch as well, we’re having conversations – I spoke to him during the international break once everything was sorted. I

“t’s now about getting him as fit as possible and to understand each one of us as quickly as possible. How we train, how we press, our set pieces so it’s been a good week for him and let’s see tomorrow.”

Van Dijk also addressed expectations surrounding Liverpool’s record signing. “It’s not really an addition is it? It’s a replacement because players with a lot of quality left us so we had to replace these players… But it comes with the price tag and the price tag we have no control over.

“There will always be talks about that and that creates a sort of pressure but it’s down to him and us that we don’t speak about it. Just work hard, enjoy being the number nine for Liverpool, help the team with goals and assist, link up play and help others and that’s the only thing.”

The Liverpool captain praised Isak’s finishing ability and also highlighted his partnership with Hugo Ekitike. “He’s a clinical finisher… You can say the same for Hugo… Both are a handful, and that’s obviously good that they’re on my side.”