The Swedish striker finally got his first taste of action after a summer of transfer drama. Alexander Isak stepped onto the pitch for Sweden against Kosovo on Monday night.
It marked his first appearance since May 25. That was his final game in a Newcastle shirt.
The £125 million Liverpool signing had been absent from competitive football for months. His summer was filled with transfer speculation and injury concerns.
Isak reportedly refused to play for Newcastle after deciding he wanted to leave. He missed their entire pre-season campaign. The striker also sat out in Newcastle’s opening three Premier League matches.
Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson had kept Isak on the bench for their previous qualifier against Slovenia. This time, he decided the striker was ready for action.
The 25-year-old replaced Anthony Elanga in the 72nd minute. Kosovo fans apparently booed him when he entered the game.
ALSO READ: Hugo Ekitike opens up on Liverpool playing position after Alexander Isak signing
How Alexander Isak performed?
Isak looked sharp despite his lack of match fitness. He managed three shots on goal in just 18 minutes of play.
The striker showed glimpses of the quality that convinced Liverpool to break the bank for him. His movement in the penalty area caught the eye. Isak created several dangerous moments for Sweden’s attack.
However, it wasn’t enough to change the game’s outcome. Sweden lost 2-0 to Kosovo in a major upset. The defeat was a blow to their World Cup qualifying campaign. But for Liverpool supporters, seeing their new signing back in action was the main takeaway.
Tomasson praised Isak’s performance after the match. “I gave him the maximum number of minutes,” the Sweden boss said. “You see he is dangerous and creates chances. But we need him next month, the month after that and next year.”
The manager clearly wanted to protect his star player from injury. Liverpool fans will appreciate this cautious approach. They need Isak fit and ready for the Premier League title race and, of course, for the upcoming Champions League fixtures.
Speaking to Swedish media (via Daghens Nyheter), Isak addressed the criticism he faced from Newcastle supporters. “It’s part of the sport. A lot of things I can’t control and I’m glad things are over,” he said.
The striker can now focus fully on his Liverpool career. He’ll join his new teammates this week for the first time.
ALSO READ: Video: Watch Florian Wirtz free-kick goal vs. Northern Ireland