BBC Journalist criticises Liverpool star’s performance | OneFootball

BBC Journalist Highlights Isak Concerns After Difficult Inter Milan Night

Mixed Signals From Milan

Liverpool’s Champions League visit to Inter Milan produced more questions than answers regarding Alexander Isak’s adaptation to life on Merseyside. A leading BBC journalist offered a notably stark assessment of the striker’s display, describing a performance in which he “really struggled” across key attacking moments.

Despite expectations that Liverpool’s altered structure might finally bring the best out of the Sweden international, the evening at the San Siro served as another reminder that settling into a new system can take longer than many supporters hope.

Isak, a £125m summer signing expected to spearhead Liverpool’s next attacking cycle, found himself on the periphery in a game shaped by Inter’s physicality and organisation.

Inter Milan v Liverpool – UEFA Champions League MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 9: Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool reacts during the UEFA Champions League football match Inter Milan vs Liverpool at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy on December 9, 2025 Piero Cruciatti / Anadolu Milan Italy. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxTURxUSAxCANxUKxJPNxITAxFRAxAUSxESPxBELxKORxRSAxHKGxNZL Copyright: x2025xAnadoluxPieroxCruciattix

BBC Journalist’s Verdict On Isak

Aadam Patel, reporting from the San Siro for BBC Sport, outlined why Liverpool’s staff may be growing increasingly concerned about the forward’s early-season trajectory.

“The worry for Liverpool is that Alexander Isak has really struggled with the physicality and intensity of tonight,” he wrote, noting that the former Newcastle striker found it difficult to retain possession or create moments of jeopardy for Inter Milan’s defenders.

Patel added: “He’s the sort of player who only needs one chance so you get why he’s still on the pitch but Isak simply hasn’t been able to keep hold of the ball.”

For a player whose reputation was built on decisive contributions in tight spaces, these observations underline the gap between expectation and current output.

Statistical Breakdown Of Isak’s Inter Milan Display

Before being withdrawn on 68 minutes by Arne Slot, Isak managed just a single shot — none on target — and struggled to impose himself against a disciplined Inter Milan back line. His numbers from the night paint a picture reflective of the BBC journalist’s report:

• 1 shot• 0 shots on target• 25 touches• Possession lost 8 times• 2/6 ground duels won• 1/1 aerial duel won

The lack of sustained involvement mirrors issues seen earlier this season, including a subdued showing at Sunderland. While Sofascore awarded him a 6.5 rating for his display in Italy, many observers felt a score closer to 4/10 would be more aligned with the reality of his impact.

Long-Term Confidence In Isak Remains

Liverpool’s coaching staff remain confident that Isak will grow into his role. Slot has already stressed that the club recruited the striker with a long horizon in mind, emphasising upon his arrival that the project should be judged across “six years,” not six weeks.

There have been flashes of the player Liverpool believed they were acquiring — notably a crisp, near-instinctive finish against West Ham that evoked memories of Robbie Fowler at his most effortless. Yet consistency has remained elusive.

For now, patience is the message. Liverpool have invested heavily, and while the striker’s integration has been far from seamless, the qualities that defined his success in the North East still lie within him. The challenge is unlocking them in the rhythm of Slot’s system, particularly on the biggest European nights.

Supporters will hope the turning point arrives soon — and that evenings such as the one in Milan become a footnote rather than a trend.