Liverpool FC plays Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup Final in a pivotal matchup that sees Alexander Isak going against Liverpool’s defence.
Isak's success this season has seen many give him plaudits as he has racked up 50 goals in the Premier League in 76 appearances.
A goal scoring record like that is some feat as he is one of the fastest in Premier League history to 50 goals.
Liverpool has even been rumored to want to sign the player as in the coming summer transfer window.
We will look at more of the player characteristics, and what Liverpool has to do to stop him. on Sunday if they want to lift the first trophy of the Arne Slot era.
Alexander Isak Player Traits
Isak is a pacey striker, who can also play out wide, and cut inside onto his right foot from the left.
He stands at 6”4, with a strong ability in the air and good skill to beat players as well.
At Newcastle he has been a solo striker, with support from out wide, and has proven himself to be a strong player in the Premier League.
With 50 league goals to his name, he has a good chance of being a player in England that will continue his success for some time.
Liverpool will have had to gameplan strongly for Alexander Isak, with Virgil van Dijk's presence in defense being the major deterrent to Isak’s strong running.
Van Dijk can hopefully overpower Isak’s pace and slow him down from running into channels. It will be a battle of Isak's pace and power against the positioning and anticipation of Liverpool's No. 4.
Liverpool’s midfield will need to stem the flow of support to Isak, by cutting out balls, and placing Newcastle’s midfielders under pressure before they can provide a pass.
By keeping possession, Liverpool can prevent Newcastle from building attacks and provide a strong platform for win.
Conclusion
Liverpool will have a good chance of lifting the trophy if they can prevent Isak from getting into areas that are dangerous over and over again.
Isak can be dangerous In and around the box, and Liverpool can block his efforts on goal with any of their accompanying center backs to van Dijk.
The fullbacks will also need to cover at different times to keep a strong backing to Liverpool in the game.
Van Dijk’s leadership in the back will be pivotal to Liverpool’s success throughout the Final and even after this game looking ahead. However, he will be locked-in on shutting down the superb Swede for Newcastle first and foremost.
The Reds will want to keep Isak shackled throughout because he can turn any match on its head, especially a Cup Final.