How Iraola has adjusted Alexander Isak’s role to unlock the Liverpool striker

When you think of the Alexander Isak that we saw at Newcastle United, you think of a well-rounded striker who’s useful in build-up as well as being a killer in the box.

So far this season we have seen lots of the latter, but less of the former. However, is this down to a tactical adjustment from Iraola? I think so.

While the Swedish striker hasn’t lost that unique dribbling or ability to drop deep, we’ve certainly seen less of it so far this campaign, with Iraola’s style instead maximising the forward’s main strength – his goalscoring.

Because there’s no two ways about it, Isak’s main qualities are his movement to create for himself, only topped by his ability to finish all types of opportunities.

These are the reasons Liverpool’s hierarchy sanctioned a Premier League record move for the 27-year-old, so it makes sense to maximise them.

During his time at Newcastle Isak scored 54 Premier League goals from an xG of 40.72, exemplifying his knack for getting, and then finishing, chances. No player could match his level of xG overperformance during this period in the Premier League. Isak really is a killer in front of goal.

And while he was involved in the general build-up more at Newcastle, he still excelled in the box, scoring 56% of his non-penalty Premier League goals with one touch and 79% with two or fewer touches.

It’s not quite the 81% in one touch that Haaland was working at for his first 27 non-penalty goals during his record-breaking 22/23 season, but it’s still an example of a striker with great penalty-box prowess.

And with the number of players Liverpool have who like to occupy the left-sided half-space, it makes much more sense tactically for Isak to occupy central defenders and wait for his chance.

Barcola coming inside and Wirtz drifting outside both like to operate in the areas Isak did at Newcastle, so it makes sense for the Swedish striker to vacate that space to avoid overcrowding it.

At Newcastle you can afford to get involved in the game more and ultimately try and “create your own chances,” but Liverpool have multiple £100m+ players to do that.

With Isak not being particularly creative - he managed 11 assists in his whole Newcastle career - it makes sense to have him where he is going to hurt teams, and I think Iraola has identified that.

With five goals so far this season, Liverpool fans will be wanting more of the same as we approach the choatic festive period.