“He was invisible” – Liverpool star slammed after poor performance against Sunderland | OneFootball

Isak Under Scrutiny After Liverpool’s Sunderland Stalemate

Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland offered tension and late drama but little comfort for those hoping to see Alexander Isak build momentum in a red shirt. The match ended level thanks to a late Nordi Mukiele own goal and a desperate Federico Chiesa block, yet the wider conversation settled quickly on the performance of the £125m forward.

Steve Nicol delivered the sharpest verdict. Reflecting on the match on ESPN FC, he said: “Anybody who watches Isak right now is disappointed in the way he’s performing, but your centre-forward relies on others more than anybody else, and he’s getting absolutely nothing.

“I don’t remember one chance that Liverpool had in this game, or the last three, four, five games, where you’re saying they should’ve scored…from that point of view, I do still feel a little bit for [Florian] Wirtz and Isak.

“I think the majority of the blame lies elsewhere, but I can’t argue with what you said. He was absolutely invisible. I actually forgot he was playing at one stage in the second half.”

Isak’s Quiet Night Raises Familiar Questions

Those words landed heavily because they reflected what many inside Anfield sensed. Isak’s display never settled into rhythm. His only shot veered high and wide, he completed just two passes in 86 minutes and he touched the ball only 14 times according to Sofascore. For a striker expected to be a defining presence, it felt far too little.

Liverpool’s pattern of play did not help him. The midfield offered few lines of supply and the wide players rarely connected with him early enough. Yet, even with that caveat, a forward of his calibre is expected to impose himself with greater authority.

Liverpool’s Expectations Remain High

Isak’s early months at Liverpool were complicated by fitness concerns and the search for chemistry with new teammates. Supporters accepted that settling period, particularly in a side adjusting to managerial change. What they want to see now is progression, sharper movement and moments that tilt matches.

Photo: IMAGO

Arne Slot will weigh the evidence. With Hugo Ekitike pushing for minutes, the pressure on Isak grows. Competition has long shaped elite Liverpool sides and the Swede must respond to ensure he remains central to Slot’s plans.

Path Forward For Isak And Liverpool

Liverpool need more creativity around their centre forward, yet they also need Isak to show stronger influence in build up play and in decisive moments. The Premier League is unforgiving and the scrutiny that comes with a fee of £125m never eases. Sunderland offered another reminder that both the team and Isak must rise together if Liverpool are to regain their edge.