Iraola sees Isak as 'very important player' for Liverpool

Alexander Isak's debut season with Liverpool was clouded by injuries, though the record-breaking striker has returned to full fitness ahead of the new campaign — and Andoni Iraola has backed the forward to be a "very important player" for the Reds this term.

A difficult first season at Anfield

Isak joined Liverpool for a British transfer record of £125m from Newcastle United last summer, yet struggled to make the impact expected of such a marquee signing. Fitness issues delayed his start at Anfield, while he also suffered a broken leg later in the campaign, restricting him to just 22 appearances overall.

The striker netted four goals and provided one assist for Liverpool last term, a modest return for one of the most expensive signings in British football history. Now, though, Isak looks back to full fitness ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Liverpool set to open their Premier League campaign against Newcastle on Sunday — a potential first league meeting with his former club since leaving St James' Park.

Iraola: 'Alex is going to be a very important player'

As Liverpool look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign under former boss Arne Slot, Iraola believes Isak can play a huge role this season.

"Alex is going to be a very important player for us this season," said Iraola. "Right now, he is in a very good place; he has been training every day, he has not missed a session, he has been adding more and more minutes every friendly game."

The Liverpool chief was encouraged by the striker's output during the summer, and stressed the importance of keeping him in peak condition.

"He played a very good World Cup in terms of availability, fitness level, and I want to keep him there as much as we can. We know his level and if we can keep him there he will score the goals and give us a lot of things."

While he wants Isak firing in front of goal, Iraola has also placed focus on the forward's work without the ball, aiming to get the best out of the striker's movement to open space for teammates.

"Probably my fight with him, my instructions, are more in terms of without the ball and how he can help in his position when we are with the ball so he can open spaces for other players. I am not trying to focus in terms of goals, but he is a striker, he will want to score, but I try not to judge the strikers if they score or if they haven't."

All eyes will be on the £125m man when Liverpool face Newcastle on the opening weekend, with Isak keen to make up for lost time.