Alexander Isak’s goal was perfect, but Liverpool must unlock more – Aldridge

Alexander Isak earned high praise from Liverpool legend John Aldridge after his standout goal in the win over Crystal Palace, with the former striker highlighting both the quality of the finish and the growing promise of the Reds’ attacking structure under new tactical adjustments.

Isak’s first Premier League goal for Liverpool proved decisive and stylistically impressive, arriving in a moment that underlined his instinct inside the box.

Aldridge, writing in his Liverpool Echo column, was quick to single out the strike as the defining moment of the match, praising the forward’s awareness and execution in tight space.

“All our goals against Crystal Palace were brilliant, but I loved Alexander Isak’s goal,” Aldridge wrote. “He did what myself and loads of other centre-forwards have done in the past. Mac Allister’s shot is going wide, but Isak’s first touch is brilliant and the finish is right in the corner.”

The former Liverpool striker expanded on the move, describing it as a classic example of a forward creating his own opportunity rather than relying purely on chance or an assist.

He suggested the goal would likely be credited to a teammate, but insisted the real work was done by Isak himself, whose anticipation and control shaped the outcome.

“It’s a fantastic forward’s finish. He made it himself. It might go down as an assist from Mac Allister, but Isak assisted himself,” Aldridge added, stressing that such traits had already been evident during the striker’s time at Newcastle United.

Beyond praise, Aldridge also offered tactical reflection, arguing that Liverpool must refine their attacking balance to fully maximise Isak’s strengths alongside creative figures such as Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

He believes the system must be tailored to consistently provide service into the striker rather than overcomplicating his role in deeper areas.

“He needs feeding. We need to establish a sustained formation that works with Isak, Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai going forward,” Aldridge noted, pointing to the importance of structure and repetition in attacking patterns.

While impressed by Isak’s movement and natural instincts, Aldridge also issued a clear instruction for development. He wants the striker to operate higher up the pitch, occupying centre-backs rather than drifting into midfield zones where he is less effective.

“The one thing Isak has to do, however, is hold the ball up… He needs to get on the shoulders of the centre-halves and move them about,” he wrote. “At the moment, he’s not quite doing that. But his movement is good, so he’s got to learn and the team’s got to learn how it works for both.”