‘Goals buy people time’ – Emile Heskey explains why Alexander Isak should escape Liverpool criticism

Liverpool legend Emile Heskey has defended Alexander Isak against criticism over his limited involvement in matches, insisting the striker’s goalscoring form should take precedence as he continues to regain full fitness.

Isak has faced scrutiny over his performances and relatively few touches during games, but his return of six goals in eight Premier League appearances has convinced Heskey that the Swedish international is delivering where it matters most.

The former England international believes the Liverpool forward should not be judged solely on his overall contribution to the team’s play, particularly as he works his way back to peak condition.

Speaking to Eldorado, Heskey acknowledged that Isak possesses the technical ability to influence matches in several ways but suggested his current focus on finding the net is helping him rediscover his confidence.

“He’s a fantastic player and we’ve seen that he can dribble, he can hold the ball, he can do everything. At the minute, he’s finding himself among the goals. Goals are not easy to come by, so do not knock someone who’s actually found their footing when it comes to goals and scoring goals again,” Heskey said.

Heskey explains why Isak’s goals should buy him time

The Liverpool great believes Isak’s involvement will naturally improve as his fitness levels increase, allowing him to contribute more to the team’s attacking play.

While acknowledging that the striker appears eager to become more involved, Heskey suggested his physical condition could currently be limiting what he can offer beyond scoring.

He also argued that maintaining his goalscoring form should protect him from some of the criticism surrounding his performances.

“You can see he wants to do something, but his body probably isn’t allowing him to do that.

“So the fitter he gets, I think you’ll see more from him, as long as he’s getting the goals. Goals always buy people time at times, don’t they? So as long as he’s getting them, he’ll be fine.”

Heskey added that Isak’s return to full fitness would give him an even greater boost as he looks to expand his influence in the side.

Heskey impressed by Nyoni and Ngumoha’s emergence

Beyond Isak’s contribution, Heskey has also been encouraged by the progress of Liverpool youngsters Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, who have earned opportunities in the first team this season.

Nyoni has already made 12 appearances across competitions, scoring his maiden Champions League goal against Fenerbahce, while Ngumoha has featured 13 times and registered two assists.

Heskey believes the emergence of the two teenagers is an important development for Liverpool, particularly as the club seeks to balance its immediate ambitions with the long-term development of young talent.

The former striker was particularly impressed by Nyoni’s composure and understanding of the game, revealing that he had followed his development since his time at Leicester City.

“Look at Trey Nyoni and how he controls the play in midfield. He’s playing like a 30-year-old. His experience, his know-how, everything, and he’s a young lad.

“I watched him when he was at Leicester City. I was coaching a little bit at Leicester, and I saw him at 16, and he was like that at 16, so they just need to give him a bit more time. He’s doing really, really well and it’ll be interesting to see how he develops,” he said.

Heskey also praised Ngumoha’s direct approach and growing contribution in the final third, noting that the youngster has improved an important aspect of his game.

“Rio has done fantastic. He’s putting a lot of pressure on some of the players that are senior players in his position to get ahead of them to start games and play regularly. Whenever he plays, he’s been great. He’s direct, he knows what he wants to do, and he just gets it done.”

He added that the teenager’s improved end product was particularly encouraging.

Heskey urges patience as Liverpool chase consistency

Despite Liverpool’s difficult start to the campaign, Heskey believes the team needs more time to adapt to Andoni Iraola’s philosophy.

The former forward acknowledged the pressure on the club to compete for major honours but maintained that developing the squad, particularly its younger members, remains important.

“He’ll (Andoni Iraola) need a bit more time working with players who need to understand his philosophy and his style of play. In terms of working with younger players, he’s done really well bringing some of them through.

“So he just needs a little bit more time, while knowing that Liverpool is a club that needs to challenge as well. We need to be challenging for cups, and we need to be challenging for the Premier League as well.”

Liverpool, currently fifth in the Premier League, face Crystal Palace this weekend, with victory potentially taking them back into the top four depending on Chelsea’s result.