Alexander Isak failed to live up to expectations in his first season at Liverpool. However, he is starring for Sweden at the World Cup in a front two alongside Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal.
Isak set up Gyökeres and Mattias Svanberg, whilst scoring himself in their 5-1 win over Tunisia in their opening game of the tournament.
Sweden then suffered a defeat by the same scoreline to the Netherlands. In that game, Isak still managed to assist Anthony Elanga's goal.
Graham Potter favors the 4-2-3-1 formation, but is flexible and can switch his sides to playing three at the back too.
With Sweden, their strengths are their strikers, in having Isak and Gyokeres. He has to play both and has used the classic 4-4-2 lineup so far in the World Cup. This has gotten the best out of Isak.
However, it remains to be seen if Andoni Iraola will deploy the same tactic at Liverpool next season.
Isak arrived at Liverpool last year after having no pre-season, as he went on strike at Newcastle United. He then had multiple injuries, including a broken fibula, which meant that he played just 14 Premier League games and scored only three goals.
Will Andoni Iraola play Alexander Isak in a front two?
Iraola does not currently have the options to play two up front for Liverpool. The other striker, Hugo Ekitike, is out until December with an Achilles injury. The Frenchman impressed during his first season with the Reds. Iraola could follow Potter's lead and play them both up front for the second half of the next campaign.
The former AFC Bournemouth manager has also favored a 4-2-3-1 formation during his career as a coach so far. However, managers need to be flexible if they are to be successful in modern football.
Liverpool will need to sign another striker if they are to play two up front at the start of next season.
They have been linked with Matias Fernandez-Pardo of Lille. He is a center-forward who can also play on either wing. Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain is predominantly a winger, but he can feature as a striker.
The Reds spent an astronomical £125 million on Isak, which is a British record. They need to do all they can to make sure that the move works out in the end.
He had a difficult first campaign, but so too have many players in a disappointing attempt to retain the title. Iraola needs to take lessons from Potter on how to get the best out of Isak.
Add us as a preferred source on Google