£125m Flop! Arne Slot reveals what Isak needs to explore at Liverpool

Alexander Isak has failed to play at the highest level at Liverpool since his £125 million ($169m) move from Newcastle United in the summer.

Isak has struggled with injuries since his deadline-day move, with just three goals to his name at Anfield. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has now addressed the growing scrutiny surrounding the Swedish striker.

According to Slot, Isak needs a full pre-season to finally reach his “best level” at Liverpool.

The Dutchman admitted that the “best scenario” involves a gradual build-up, acknowledging that the forward has been playing in “survival mode” rather than operating at peak physical capacity following his lengthy rehabilitation.

Alexander Isak has struggle in his first season at Liverpool. (Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Speaking to the media, Slot said: “The World Cup won’t hinder him,” Slot revealed. “What would be the best scenario, not 100%, a very good pre-season of six weeks would have been very good lead up, but if he has a good World Cup and plays a lot of games then that will be helpful.”

“Usually tempo at international level is lower than Premier League but I’m happy he is back.He has had a lot of months without training with the team. In the middle of season when everyone else is fit, it’s not easy to come back, but we are seeing progress. I don’t know when his best level will be, but I’m hoping for ourselves and him it’s very soon.”

Slot also discussed Mohamed Salah’s productivity, who has only scored seven Premier League goals this season.

“It’s really important for us that we have attackers that score goals,” Slot added. “Success last season was multiple attackers scoring lots, this season we aren’t scoring as many. There is a little drop off in chance creation but not as much as the goalscoring you would expect.”

“With Mo said many times there’s always part in the season where ball falls to you and you don’t have to do much to score, and others you do so much and it just doesn’t work. Normally things go back to normal and normal for Mo at Liverpool is scoring goals.”

Liverpool will be back in action on Saturday when they host Crystal Palace. Slot will be hoping Isak and Salah hit top form.

Third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman is also expected to start following injuries to both Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili.