The 2025/26 season was a tough one for Alexander Isak following his record breaking move to Liverpool last summer.
He consistently battled fitness issues, tactical issues and one severe injury that could have ended his entire campaign. However, Isak is currently looking more and more like his old self once again.
Coming into the 2026 World Cup, Isak was in fine form for Sweden, as he scored a sensational goal in one of their final tune-up matches and he was brimming with confidence. Following his performance on Sunday against Tunisia, it will be through the roof right now.
A Five-Star Debut
As a result of Sweden's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Sunday marked the tournament debut for Isak on the biggest stage, and he did not disappoint.
The Swedes romped to a 5-1 opening win over Tunisia in Group F, and it was Liverpool's No. 9 that was the talismanic leader of the action.
He looked fresh, hungry and ready for the moment. He started up top alongside Viktor Gyökeres in a 3-4-1-2 formation. It would prove to be an outstanding pairing as the match wore on. Sweden got their opening goal through a wonderful strike from Yasin Ayari.
However, it was the run in-behind by Isak that put pressure on the defense and forced a weak clearance, which led to the long-range effort.
Isak then scored his first World Cup goal just before the half hour mark in very similar fashion to his goal against Norway.
With Tunisia pressing high. Isak received the ball wide left and burst forward with confidence and attacked the lone defender without hesitation before finishing to the far post with an assuredness that was missing at times for Liverpool.
Later, his high-pressing would win the ball back at the edge of the area before he laid off for Gyökeres to get himself a goal as well.
A second assist would come late on from a flicked pass, to complete a Man of the Match performance from Alexander Isak.
Liverpool will love what they saw from Isak
New head coach Andoni Iraola will surely be smiling a lot today as he thinks about the showing we saw from our lead forward. His desire and work-rate are two things that might be the most important aspect of the performance for Iraola.
Several times when Sweden were out on breaks, it was Isak who was charging forward to get into dangerous positions. That kind of effort from your center forward is ideal in the Spaniard's quick transition setup.
He looks very close to all the way back to the player that was starring for Newcastle United before making the move to Anfield.
Isak was popping up all over the attacking third, and if he can get that kind of freedom at club level, we could be about to see a bounce-back season like none before it.
There is a long way to go until then of course, but Sunday's performance in his World Cup debut should be a hugely encouraging sign that he is more than ready to hit a new level in his game.
Sweden next plays the Netherlands, where Isak where will run into his club captain Virgil van Dijk, so the next challenge will be significant. If he can perform in that match, the excitement from Reds around the world will be palpable going forward.
For now, all Reds fans and staff can revel in this signature performance on a global stage from their No. 9. There could be plenty more incoming from him.
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