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Paul Merson has warned Liverpool boss Arne Slot that he faces a problem in trying to fit Alexander Isak into his side following his long-awaited move to Anfield.
The deadline day arrival is expected to make his debut for the Reds on Wednesday as they face Atletico Madrid in their opening Champions League game of the season. Not only does Isak look set to make his first appearance for Liverpool, but Slot has hinted he could even start against Diego Simeone’s side.
The 25-year-old’s debut has been eagerly anticipated by Liverpool fans, who have had to wait over two weeks since his $169 million signing was announced, with Slot having left him out of his squad at Burnley at the weekend.
The Reds boss has explained that the decision was made due to Isak’s lack of training and playing time since May. The striker spent much of the summer training alone as he sought an exit from Newcastle, while he has only played around 20 minutes for Sweden since the start of the season.
How much time he may get on the pitch against Atletico later remains to be seen, although former Arsenal star Merson has warned Liverpool not to rush him.
“He [Isak] hasn’t played any football yet in pre-season,” Merson told Sky Sports News.
“So you’ve got to be careful, you don’t want him to come in and then, well, of a sudden, he gets injured, so they’ve got to be patient.
“Their big advantage is that they’re winning while he’s not playing, but? When he does come in, people will have to step out.
“And this is where all the problems start, but I’d like to think he’d get a run out tomorrow [against Atletico Madrid.]”
Slot is already well aware of the issues he could face in trying to integrate Isak into his side, especially given the lack of action the striker has had so far this season.
Asked what Isak’s biggest challenge is after arriving at Liverpool, Slot said during his press conference on Tuesday: “Getting fit. Getting fit after missing four months of proper team sessions.
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“He doesn’t have to prove to anyone he is good enough to play in the Premier League because that is what he has proven already at Newcastle. The main challenge he has is to become so fit that he is first of all ready to do what he did last season.
“And then, speaking about PSG, I don't think anyone was surprised I was mainly impressed by the way they pressed. [Ousmane] Dembele was one of the examples who was so outstanding in his pressing game; everyone was focused on all the goals they scored, but I was impressed with the way they pressed.
“So the moment he is fit, match fit, can play 90, and then the next step is playing three times in a week for 90 minutes, and then the next step is going one step further in terms of pressing.
"And that is what he has to do, and scoring goals and doing special things in attack is something he will 100 percent do.”
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