Steven Gerrard makes Alexander Isak prediction in passionate defense of Liverpool striker

Steven Gerrard has no doubt that Alexander Isak's fortunes will soon improve after a difficult start to life at Liverpool.

The Swedish striker has failed to find the net in a red shirt following his record transfer from Newcastle in the summer, having arrived at Anfield short of match fitness. He is yet to nail down a regular starting spot under Arne Slot but was given the nod against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

But he once again left a lot to be desired as Liverpool crashed to a 3-0 defeat and Slot brought back Hugo Ekitike for the game against PSV in the Champions League.

Former captain Gerrard is convinced that Isak will turn things around though and believes his first big 'moment' for the club is not too far away.

He said on TNT Sports: "Isak had no service against Forest and I did feel a bit sorry for him because he worked his socks off. You can clearly see he is rusty and needs game time.

"Isak and Ekitike have to be unselfish and understand the manager will use them both at different times.

"If you have an injury or miss a period of time, you can’t just switch it on like a light and lose your rust. It is a process. He will be doing extra training and he needs minutes. He will produce for this club in the medium and long term. We need to be patient in the short term.

"There will be a game or moment in the next few weeks where he will feel fitter and stronger, something will click and he will arrive at Liverpool. I am very confident of that."

Ex-Reds midfielder Steve McManaman was in agreement and he is confident that Liverpool will soon see the best from the British-record signing.

He added: "He is getting used to a brand new set of teammates, who play completely different to the players he was with last season at Newcastle. They played to his strengths

"This is very different. The main man has often been Mo Salah on the right hand side. Everybody is trying to find a consistency and a way of playing, working out how to play with Isak and it will take time.

"You have seen better players than him take time to gel in new teams. He has to be persistent, work hard and most importantly, keep fit. If he stays fit, he will get there sooner rather than later.

"It is the same for Wirtz and Frimpong. They need to get up to the level of Liverpool Football Club. They have joined the Premier League champions."

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