Virgil van Dijk INTERVENES in Alexander Isak crisis | OneFootball

It’s fair to say that it’s time for Liverpool to see a better return from Alexander Isak.

The No9 signed from Newcastle over the summer for a British record fee. Having opted out of the Geordies’ preseason tour - amid accusations of broken promises - Isak then played no part in their opening matches of the Premier League campaign.

By the time he signed for the Reds - for £125m on transfer deadline day - he was a long way short of full fitness.

The Swede has endured a stop-start introduction to life on Merseyside - first jetting off for international duty before even linking up with his new teammates.

The time to deliver has arrived for Isak

Since that September international window, Isak has featured on seven occasions for the Premier League champions - scoring only once.

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That goal came against lowly Southampton in the EFL Cup - and Isak is still waiting to get off the mark in the top flight for his new club.

The 26-year-old’s latest blank came in the first game following the October international window - versus Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.

Head coach.

Van Dijk offers advice to Isak

He has been with the club for around seven weeks now - ample time to get himself match fit. Liverpool need to see the best of the forward - and soon.

Having scored 23 Premier League goals last season, the pressure is on for him to pay back that ample fee. Right now Liverpool staff are reported to be unconcerned by Isak’s form in front of goal.

And according to a report in the Athletic, it’s captain Virgil van Dijk who is providing Isak with some precious advice.

© Anfield Watch

“Liverpool’s staff feel he has settled well at the club — captain Virgil van Dijk, an admirer of the striker when they were on opposing teams, has been particularly supportive in terms of offering advice,” the report reads.

The skipper knows all about moving to Anfield on record fees - having joined from Southampton back in 2018 for £75m - and should be able to impart some precious knowledge.

Let’s hope that Isak can get off the mark in the Champions League when Liverpool visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night - and that Van Dijk’s efforts to help Isak integrate begin to pay off.