Teddy Sheringham: Alexander Isak is the Premier League’s best striker as Liverpool star finds his spark again

Premier League icon Teddy Sheringham believes Alexander Isak has returned to his best and has gone as far as describing the Liverpool striker as the best in the division.

Isak endured a difficult campaign last season, managing just four goals, but the Sweden international has responded strongly this term. He scored four times in his opening five Premier League appearances before also finding the net for Sweden in their Nations League opener against Romania.

His resurgence has been particularly important for Liverpool, with Isak stepping up in attack amid Hugo Ekitike’s absence. Ekitike is expected to remain sidelined until December after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon against Paris Saint-Germain in April.

Sheringham has been impressed by the 27-year-old’s form and believes the striker now has the consistency and sharpness required to challenge for the Premier League’s Golden Boot.

“For me, he’s the best striker in the Premier League. He is phenomenal. I’d like to see him win the Golden Boot this year, and not just to beat Erling Haaland but for the way that Isak plays the game, and how hungry he is for goals.”

‘He looks back to his very best’

Sheringham believes Isak’s struggles last season were not entirely down to the striker, pointing to Liverpool’s overall situation and tactical set-up.

“He was obviously not right last season but the whole situation at Liverpool was wrong, even down to playing two centre-forwards, and it just didn’t work for anyone.”

The former England striker has particularly admired Isak’s movement inside the penalty area, arguing that his goalscoring form is being driven by his ability to anticipate situations and constantly adjust his position.

“I like his demeanour on the pitch. He wants to score goals and he can score goals, and his goals against Ipswich Town were fantastic.”

Sheringham added that Isak’s finishing has returned to the level that made him one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards.

“That should get the rest of the Premier League worried this season, I love it. He looks back to his very best, sharp shooting, getting it out of his feet and… bang, goal!”

Movement setting Isak apart

According to Sheringham, Isak’s movement is one of the biggest reasons behind his improved output. Rather than waiting for opportunities to arrive, the Liverpool forward actively positions himself to take advantage of loose balls and defensive mistakes.

“He knows where the goal is on both sides, and he really is fantastic in the box, just being in the right place at the right time, and following up on chances.”

He pointed to Isak’s goal against Bournemouth as an example of the striker’s awareness inside the area.

“When other strikers would be standing still on the penalty spot, he’s watching what is going on, always on the move in the box. We saw that against Bournemouth.”

Sheringham believes such instincts are a key part of what makes Isak a prolific striker.

“It might have looked like the ball just fell to him, but it’s because of his movement and momentum to take him there to get that goal.”

He concluded by suggesting Isak possesses the qualities required to establish himself among the elite forwards in world football.

“These are all the signs of a striker with the proper goalscoring attributes to be the very best in the world at what he does.”

Injury concern clouds strong start

Isak’s impressive return to form has, however, been accompanied by a concern after he reportedly picked up a thigh problem during the international break.

The forward has since returned to Liverpool for treatment, creating uncertainty over his immediate availability and potentially interrupting the momentum he had built during the opening weeks of the season.