“Found it tough” – BBC journalist comments on Liverpool player’s 4/10 performance; lost the ball eight times and failed to register a shot on target

Aadam Patel of the BBC reports that Alexander Isak “really struggled” to influence the game during Liverpool’s Champions League clash away to Inter Milan.
The Swedish forward once again failed to find the net during the Reds’ latest outing at the San Siro.

Liverpool thought they had taken the lead in the first half through Ibrahima Konate, but his header was ruled out after VAR spotted a handball in the buildup.

Alexander Isak disappoints against Inter Milan

Early signs suggested that Liverpool’s altered setup might benefit Isak, with the ex-Newcastle striker seeing more of the ball than usual. However, the improvement was short-lived.

“The concern for Liverpool is that Alexander Isak has really found the physicality and intensity of tonight’s match difficult,” Patel wrote for BBC Sport.
“He’s the kind of forward who only needs one clear opportunity, which explains why he stayed on the pitch for so long, but he just hasn’t been able to retain possession.”

With his influence minimal, Arne Slot eventually withdrew his summer acquisition in the 68th minute, leaving the field after a largely ineffective display.

The 26-year-old finished with just a single shot, none of which tested the goalkeeper.

Alexander Isak’s numbers vs Inter Milan

1 shot

0 on target

25 touches

Possession lost 8 times

Won 2 of 6 ground duels

Won 1 of 1 aerial duels
Stats via Sofascore

This isn’t the first time Isak has struggled in competitive action for Liverpool, having already been criticised for a similarly subdued showing against Sunderland in the Premier League.

Sofascore awarded him a 6.5/10 for his display in Italy, though his performance arguably merited something closer to a 4/10.

Isak still searching for his rhythm at Liverpool

Liverpool’s £125m signing from Newcastle has yet to fully settle at Anfield.
There have been glimpses—such as his instinctive first-time strike against West Ham in the Premier League, a finish that evoked memories of Robbie Fowler—but consistency remains absent.

As Arne Slot noted back in September, Isak was recruited with the long term in mind, effectively as a six-year project.

Liverpool supporters will be hoping it doesn’t take too long before the forward who shone so brightly in the North East begins to emerge on Merseyside.