‘It was a good performance’ – Slot defends Swedish-Eritrean striker Alexander Isak after quiet outing against Palace

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has leapt to the defence of Alexander Isak after the striker’s subdued display in his first Premier League start for the Reds ended in a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The £125million ($167m) summer signing faced a wave of criticism from sections of the media and supporters for his lack of impact at Selhurst Park.

Isak, who was born in Sweden to Eritrean parents, arrived from Newcastle United this summer as Liverpool’s record signing.

His debut league start generated enormous anticipation, but the 25-year-old struggled to find space against a disciplined Palace backline.

Slot, however, insisted the player’s performance should be seen in context as he works his way back to full match fitness.

“Isak playing 84 minutes had a lot to do with the low intensity of the game,” the Dutch coach explained.

“If you face a low block, 10 players in and around their own 18-yard box and when they have to do a build-up they take a while with hardly any intensity.”

Slot added that Isak’s qualities would be more evident in an open contest.

“In a more open game where you have to run a lot as a nine, then you might not play him for 84, but this was a game in which it was a low block with some bursts of counter-attacks.”

The Liverpool manager also praised Isak’s honesty during a key moment. “He was close to a goal, very honest to stay on his feet, got a little bit of a shirt pull and that’s why he was unbalanced when he shot. He didn’t score but it was quite a good performance.”