Isak double earns Liverpool win as Van Dijk backs striker to shine

Alexander Isak scored twice inside the first 10 minutes as Liverpool beat Ipswich 2-0 on Friday, prompting captain Virgil van Dijk to insist the Sweden striker’s ability has never been in question.

The victory was Liverpool’s first under Andoni Iraola at Ipswich and took Isak’s tally to three goals in three games this season. He has already equalled his Premier League total from the previous campaign.

Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle in a Premier League record £125m transfer 12 months ago, but his first season at the club was disrupted by fitness and injury problems. The 25-year-old spent three months out after breaking his fibula and is determined to put that difficult period behind him.

Van Dijk believes Isak can rediscover the form that made him one of the most sought-after strikers in world football.

“I don’t think the quality is anything that we doubt,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.

“Last year he had an unfortunate bad injury and it was down to him, the hard work that he put in each and every day to get back as quickly as possible.

“I think he had a very good World Cup, he had a very good pre-season, and he’s getting up to speed now.

“We’ve seen how good he is playing and now he’s going to show the world with a Liverpool shirt as well.”

Isak said his first year at Liverpool had been particularly challenging, but added that his focus had been on preparing properly for the new season.

“It was not easy, obviously. It was a long injury, a difficult season in general,” he said.

“I was thinking to have a good World Cup firstly and then to start off this season well, which I feel like I’ve done now.

“That’s kind of behind me, but obviously it wasn’t easy.”

Both goals against Ipswich were created by Cody Gakpo, whose future at Liverpool had come under scrutiny before the transfer window closed.

A move to Manchester City was reportedly possible if Liverpool could find a replacement for the Netherlands international during the final days of the window. However, Van Dijk was pleased that his international team-mate remained at Anfield.

“I said it before the transfer window was closed, he’s important for us,” added Van Dijk.

“He showed it today again with assists and over the last couple of years as well, so let’s keep going.”

Gakpo’s contribution helped Liverpool secure a comfortable result after Isak had made the perfect start. The striker’s two early finishes not only settled the contest but also marked a strong response to the injury problems that affected his debut season with the club.

For Isak, the opening weeks of the campaign have provided an opportunity to build momentum. His three goals in three matches have already matched last season’s Premier League output, while Van Dijk’s comments underline Liverpool’s belief that his best form is still to come.