Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Swedish-Eritrean forward Alexander Isak after he scored his first Premier League goal for the Reds in a 2-0 win over West Ham.
The 26-year-old broke the deadlock before being substituted in the 65th minute, adding a timely boost to his confidence and the team’s momentum.
Isak has gradually adapted to Liverpool’s attacking system, and his performance underlined his potential to become a key figure in the squad.
His goal came after multiple earlier attempts, demonstrating both persistence and composure in front of goal.
Manager Arne Slot highlighted the importance of the strike for Isak’s development and for securing the lead.
“That’s also a bit unfair to him (Isak’s first goal) because normally, as a No.9, I think in general a No.9 plays more minutes than I’ve played Alex until now – because of the obvious reasons.
“So even today, I had to take him off after 65, I think. So yes, he’s already played quite a lot of games, but in terms of minutes, not so much.
“And it’s very important for us as a team that we went 1-0 up, but I think it was also important for him because I think it was his third or fourth chance of this game, and I don’t think there were more than 10 minutes left for him. So to score just before coming off was important for us but also for him.”
Florian Wirtz also impressed, returning after a brief absence.
“He was really good in his one-touch balls and dribbles,” Slot noted.
“I even remember a diagonal ball to Cody Gakpo that didn’t lead to a shot, but he was part of many important moments.”
