Alexander Isak’s debut season at Liverpool has been far from straightforward. While some narratives paint it as underwhelming, a closer look at the circumstances suggests the reality is far more nuanced.

The Swedish striker arrived at Anfield without the benefit of a full pre-season, immediately putting him on the back foot in a system that demands peak physical conditioning. Much of the early part of the campaign was spent rebuilding sharpness and match fitness rather than showcasing his full attacking potential.

Just as Isak began to find consistency and confidence, his momentum was halted by a serious leg injury. That interruption is impossible to ignore when assessing his overall contribution, yet it has often been overlooked in public criticism.

Context Matters More Than Perception

There is a growing belief that Isak’s performances have been judged too harshly, with perception overtaking reality. Injury analyst Ben Dinnery has previously highlighted how players can suffer reputational damage when they are not fully fit but still push themselves to contribute.

This pattern has followed Isak to Liverpool. Joining late in the transfer window meant he missed the conditioning phase that underpins Arne Slot’s tactical approach. As a result, his explosiveness and sharpness were naturally limited during key periods.

Dinnery also points out that expectations shift in squads with greater depth. Managers often demand near-constant availability, especially in competitive environments, and that can influence selection and minute management. For Isak, this has meant competing directly with Hugo Ekitike and having his game time carefully controlled rather than being a clear first-choice starter.

The Numbers Tell a Fairer Story

Despite the challenges, Isak’s statistics suggest he has still made a tangible impact. He has featured in 10 Premier League matches this season, registering two goals and one assist. His expected goals figure of 2.05 indicates that his finishing aligns closely with the quality of chances he has received.

Averaging just over 50 minutes per appearance, his limited minutes reflect fitness management rather than a lack of trust. The stop-start nature of his season has made it difficult to build sustained rhythm, something Slot has openly acknowledged when discussing the striker’s injury setback.

The Liverpool boss confirmed the issue would keep Isak sidelined for several months, describing it as a major blow for both player and club.

Self-Awareness, Not Excuses

Before his injury, Isak himself admitted he expected more from his performances. His comments reflected honesty and self-awareness rather than denial, emphasising a focus on improvement and helping the team win matches.

Taken together, these factors paint a picture of a player whose season has been disrupted rather than disappointing. When context, fitness, and opportunity are properly considered, Isak’s Liverpool spell looks far less bleak than headlines might suggest.