Owen calls for Alexander Isak response as Liverpool impact remains elusive

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen says Alexander Isak must now start producing the performances expected of him after exhausting the time allowed for him to regain full fitness.

The 26-year-old Sweden international endured a difficult first season at Liverpool following his arrival at the club. Much of his struggle was linked to his lack of match sharpness and a serious injury that disrupted his campaign.

Isak subsequently completed a lengthy rehabilitation programme, represented Sweden at the World Cup and took part in a full pre-season. He is now regarded as fully fit and completed his first 90-minute appearance for Liverpool on Sunday.

However, the forward made little impression in Liverpool’s latest match against his former club Newcastle United. Isak was unable to influence the game significantly as he faced sustained pressure from the home supporters.

Owen, whose comments were highlighted by the Tribuna network, believes Liverpool’s patience has now reached its limit. He said Isak should be judged against the high standards he established during his time at St James’ Park.

“I suffered a lot of injuries during my career, so I know how difficult it is to come back, and that you need some time,” said Owen.

“We gave him that, and everyone gave him time and understood that. But he finished the season, went to the World Cup and has now had a pre-season, so you think: okay, we are now starting to run out of excuses.”

Owen added: “We need to start seeing the real Isak. We know how good he is, because we saw him at Newcastle, he is a top-class player. But we have not seen that with Liverpool yet, and I think the questions will now start.”

Isak’s return to full fitness had been viewed as an important step in allowing him to settle at Liverpool and show the form that made him a standout player at Newcastle United. His previous performances for the Tyneside club had established the level of expectation surrounding him before his move to Anfield.

The Newcastle match, however, offered little evidence of the influence Owen believes Isak can have. It was also his first complete 90-minute appearance for Liverpool since recovering from the physical setbacks that had limited his involvement.

Owen acknowledged that returning from injury can take time, but argued that Isak has now had the key opportunities needed to rebuild his fitness. With a full rehabilitation period behind him, a World Cup campaign completed and a full pre-season undertaken, the former Liverpool forward believes the focus must now shift from recovery to performance.

The scrutiny on Isak is therefore likely to increase, with Owen saying Liverpool must begin to see the player who impressed so heavily at Newcastle. Although he recognises Isak’s ability, Owen says the forward has yet to reproduce it consistently in a Liverpool shirt.