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Ex-Reds striker Michael Owen has backed Arne Slot and Alexander Isak to deliver success at Liverpool. The acquisition from Newcastle, a British record, made his debut for the Reds in the Champions League encounter against Atletico Madrid, having missed Sunday's victory over Burnley.
Liverpool was forced to depend on a stoppage-time penalty to clinch victory against the newly-promoted outfit, with Isak's unavailability clearly noticeable as Slot's side battled to break down Burnley's rearguard until Mohamed Salah converted from the spot.
Isak, 25, has been lauded as amongst the world's finest forwards following his remarkable displays at Newcastle, a view shared by his new boss.
Nevertheless, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola questioned Slot's claim that the most costly player in British football could be "maybe the best striker in the world," contending that his own star performer, Erling Haaland, is "a little bit above."
Guardiola added: "Isak is an exceptional player [but] you asked me about Erling and he is top. Isak must be a top player because of what they paid."
Despite this, Owen supports Slot's confidence in his new forward, maintaining that the summer-long transfer pursuit surrounding Isak won't prevent him from delivering an instant contribution.
"In an exclusive interview with Daily Star Sport, via BetSelect, Owen stated: "I don't think so [the transfer saga will weigh heavily]. He's obviously got his dream move, one that he will think he was justified.
"I think Isak will hit the ground running. He's in a successful team, a team that is winning games, creating chances. It's not like he's come from a new league. He's used to the Premier League.
"He knows everything about it. So there is no reason why, apart from getting to know his new fellow players, there's no real reason why he won't be an immediate success.
Owen continued to back Isak's potential to make a significant impact at Anfield, saying: "He'll have a huge impact. You don't pay £125 million for somebody not to have an impact.
"Who else is out there that's better in that position? Liverpool has probably got the best goalkeeper in the world. It has probably got the best center-half in the world.
"Liverpool has probably got the best right-sided attacker in the world. And arguably, now got the best center-forward in the world.
"And to have the best you can get in four or five positions in a team, just makes you incredibly strong. And that's what Liverpool have gone and done."
Isak will hope to keep his place for the Merseyside derby against Everton, having been withdrawn during the second half of the win over Atletico in midweek.
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