Man United legend backs Alexander Isak for successful Liverpool career | OneFootball

Andy Cole Tips Alexander Isak to Shine at Liverpool

Liverpool supporters are showing patience with Alexander Isak, who arrived at Anfield amid much fanfare following his big-money move from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day. The Swedish forward, a record signing for Liverpool, was seen as the final piece of Arne Slot’s attacking jigsaw after the Reds’ title-winning 2024-25 campaign.

However, his transition from Tyneside to Merseyside has been far from seamless. Despite his heroics in leading Newcastle to a Carabao Cup triumph last year, Isak’s abrupt departure has left him vilified in the North East, drawing inevitable comparisons with Andy Cole’s notorious 1995 switch from Newcastle to Manchester United.

Cole Offers Perspective on Isak’s Liverpool Struggles

Few know the pressures of a controversial move better than Cole, who remains one of the most prolific forwards in Premier League history. The former United striker believes Isak will come good, but accepts that the circumstances surrounding his transfer have added weight to the adjustment period.

“In Isak’s case, you know, it’s been a tough start for him,” Cole told Sky Sports. “The way the deal’s come about as well. People can look at that and say, ‘well, we should have done this, we should have done that.’ But all he’s got to do now, just get his head down, keep working, and fingers crossed it works out.”

Photo: IMAGO

Cole, who famously struck up a lethal partnership with Dwight Yorke at Old Trafford, sees patience as key. “Yeah, you don’t become a bad player overnight,” he added. “It might take him a little bit of time. You know, Newcastle, he was the main guy up front. You’re going to Liverpool now, you’re not the main guy up front anymore.”

Isak’s Role Under Arne Slot

Isak has faced a mix of fitness setbacks and tactical shifts under Slot, who continues to reshape Liverpool’s attacking identity. With Mohamed Salah now playing a slightly deeper creative role, and the emergence of Hugo Ekitike as another forward option, Isak is learning to adapt within a fluid front line.

Liverpool fans, who have been largely sympathetic to his situation, are hopeful the Swedish striker will soon hit his stride. Former striker Adebayo Akinfenwa echoed that optimism, saying, “Every Liverpool player and fan knows that when Alexander Isak hits form, or whenever it clicks, he’s going to be a problem.”

Defining Weeks Ahead for Isak

November and December will be critical for Isak’s Liverpool career. Returning from international duty, he has had sufficient time to regain sharpness and fully integrate into Slot’s system. His technical ability and movement remain undeniable, and his experience in the Premier League suggests that goals will come once confidence follows.

Liverpool’s attack, featuring Salah, Isak and Ekitike, carries huge potential. If Isak begins to convert his chances and deliver consistent performances, the narrative could shift quickly. Otherwise, questions about his hefty transfer fee may soon grow louder.

For now, though, Andy Cole’s message is simple: keep faith. Liverpool’s No. 9 has too much quality to stay quiet for long.