Isak’s role central to Salah’s succession plan at Liverpool

Arne Slot says Alexander Isak’s profile is a key reference point as Liverpool map out their long-term plans to eventually replace Mohamed Salah in the attack.

“Getting the most from Isak is definitely part of thinking about the Salah replacement,” the Liverpool boss explained, highlighting how the Swede’s qualities fit into his wider tactical vision. He noted that, as at many top clubs, Liverpool tend to use “a left footer on the right and a right footer on the left” to maximise goal threat from wide areas.

Slot pointed out that Isak has already shown how dangerous he can be when supplied from the right flank, especially from trademark Trent Alexander-Arnold deliveries. “I have seen Alex scoring also a lot from crosses which were played from the right, right footed, Trent Alexander-Arnold crosses, if you want to call them like that,” he said.

However, the Dutchman stressed that Liverpool will stay disciplined in the market. Rather than chasing superstar names, the recruitment team will focus on attainable, top-level options. “Something else which also happens at certain clubs is: ‘OK, that is the best player in the world in that position, let’s try and get him.’ That is not how we work, we try and sign the best possible player who is available for us,” Slot added.