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Liverpool striker Alexander Isak says it is nice to be with the Reds now after previously experiencing their resilience and ability to win games late on from the other side.
The Swedish forward, who arrived for a fee of around $169 million (£125 million) from Newcastle United this summer, got off the mark for Liverpool during its 2-1 win over Southampton midweek. Once again, the Reds needed a late goal to win the match, this time with Hugo Ekitike producing the goods in front of The Kop.
"I think especially when you play for a club like Liverpool, you’ve got to compete on all fronts," Isak told Liverpool's official website. "That’s the main goal: to be competitive in all competitions, going out to every game wanting to win."
"It has kind of been frustrating seeing it [as an opponent] from the other side!" said Isak of Liverpool’s persistence.
"It’s amazing to be a part of it. Obviously we want to work on our performances and play better throughout the parts of the game but ultimately it’s all about winning. That’s the main goal and then we can always work on details in the game."
Southampton was Isak's second appearance for Liverpool after he played just under an hour against Atletico Madrid a week earlier. With Ekitike suspended at the weekend, he might be needed at Selhurst Park.
"Obviously my situation was a bit special, so I had to do some extra work, which is completely normal," Isak said. "I’m happy to do any work that will get me in better shape.
"It’s good. I’m working hard to be in my best shape and then it’s up to the coach [for the trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday]."
If Isak is unable to play from the start in that game, there are other options. Arne Slot could turn to Florian Wirtz as a false nine, or Federico Chiesa, who set up two goals midweek, could get a go.
On his goal, Isak was keen to praise Chiesa for his contribution. The Italian won the ball back and unselfishly squared for his teammate to score from close range.
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"All of the work was really done by Fede," Isak said. "A high-pressure regain and from that moment I was trying to be in the right place, which I was and I just tucked it away."
Liverpool.com says: Isak is still getting up to speed but it was great for him to get off the mark against Southampton. While Slot said no one is talking about his price tag, that wouldn't stay the case for long if it too a while for him to score.
What we have seen from Isak so far has been promising. He looked sharper than anyone expected against Atletico Madrid and is currently doing his own pre-season. Come the next international break, he should be nearly back to full fitness.
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