Dwight Yorke: ‘Liverpool were never going to get the best out of Alexander Isak under Arne Slot’

Former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke has criticised Arne Slot’s handling of Alexander Isak at Liverpool, claiming the Dutch coach “messed” the Swedish striker around and prevented the club from seeing his best qualities.

Isak arrived at Anfield last summer in a British-record £125 million transfer from Newcastle United after a prolonged transfer pursuit, with Liverpool expecting the forward to become a key figure in their attack.

However, the Sweden international endured a difficult debut campaign on Merseyside, struggling to maintain fitness and consistency. He made only eight Premier League starts and managed three goals in the top flight, raising questions over his adaptation and role within Slot’s system.

Yorke questions Slot’s management of £125m forward

Slot’s attempts to balance Isak’s involvement with the emergence of Hugo Ekitike created frustration among sections of the Liverpool fanbase, with the former Newcastle striker often finding himself competing for minutes rather than being established as the club’s leading attacking option.

Yorke, a treble-winning striker with Manchester United, believes that uncertainty affected Isak’s confidence and prevented Liverpool from getting the return expected from such a significant investment.

“Isak has been in a difficult situation. I was a huge fan of his at Newcastle,” Yorke told sports betting specialists Boyle Sports.

“It’ll be interesting to see how he gets on this season under the new manager, Andoni Iraola, and how he sees it, and what he wants to do with the team.

“When Ekitike was keeping him out the team, you’re not feeling like you’re worth £120m and that’s when doubts start to kick in.”

‘You want to be told you’re No.1’

Yorke argued that elite strikers need clarity and confidence from their manager, insisting Isak’s struggles were partly linked to the lack of a defined role under Slot.

The former Aston Villa and United striker believes a fresh start under Andoni Iraola could allow Isak to rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards during his time at Newcastle.

“And you’ve got the previous manager messing you around and not playing you, chopping and changing every few seconds. Liverpool were never going to get the best out of a player like Isak in that environment,” Yorke added.

“If you’re a striker, you want to be told you’re No.1, and if you’re not getting that message from the manager, then you’ve got a long season ahead of you.”

Liverpool hoping for a new chapter under Iraola

With Isak now fully fit and preparing for a fresh campaign, Liverpool will be hoping their record signing can finally justify the huge financial commitment made to secure his services.

The arrival of Iraola offers the 25-year-old an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and become the attacking focal point Liverpool envisioned when they completed the blockbuster move.

After a turbulent first season filled with injury setbacks and tactical uncertainty, Isak will be determined to prove that the talent which made him a standout performer at Newcastle remains intact.