Thierry Henry defends Swedish-Eritrean striker Alexander Isak after Liverpool debut, rejects Haaland comparisons

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has voiced frustration over comparisons between Liverpool’s new signing Alexander Isak and Manchester City star Erling Haaland following the Sweden international’s debut for the Reds.

Isak, who joined from Newcastle United on a dramatic £125 million deadline-day deal, was handed a starting place in Arne Slot’s line-up for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid — his first appearance for Liverpool after limited game time this season.

Born in Sweden to Eritrean parents, Isak has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most versatile forwards.

His move to Anfield has intensified scrutiny on every aspect of his play, especially with pundits already juxtaposing his style with Haaland’s.

Henry, speaking on CBS Sports after the match, bristled when Jamie Carragher pressed him on who he preferred between the two strikers.

“There’s one guy who can play on the left and the right, and then you have a goal-machine who lives in the box,” Henry said.

“In my day, in a 4-4-2 would have been brilliant to have them both, they’re different players. I get annoyed when people compare an in-and-out striker with a guy who moves around. You can’t compare them because they’re two different players.”

Isak arrived at Liverpool with a formidable record — 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle — and the 25-year-old is expected to feature in the Merseyside derby against Everton this weekend, although he may be introduced from the bench in place of Hugo Ekitike.