Slot ponders Isak problem as No 9 cuts isolated figure

Arne Slot has not always relished the chance to discuss Alexander Isak's low numbers at Liverpool. There was a difference this time, however.

- RICHARD JOLLY

His £125m striker still has a lone Premier League goal but the subject was Isak's involvement in play in general, with an average of just 12.3 touches in his last three appearances. He operates in a position where less can be more. It can be a simplistic criticism of Erling Haaland that he is barely on the ball. The Norwegian can nevertheless average something close to a goal per game; more than that this season.

For Isak, less has been less. He had 13 touches on Wednesday as he was crowded out by Sunderland. Three, admittedly, were shots, albeit low-calibre opportunities. “He is not the only No 9 who suffers in some games from not getting many chances,” rationalised Slot.

“At this level, it's not like the No 9 is involved in eight, nine, 10 chances every single half. But it is obvious and clear that we want to bring him into more threatening situations.”

The key for Slot is quality of touch, not quantity. “Do you know how many times he touched the ball at Newcastle on average? 22. In this league, strikers don't touch the ball that much, but a few times they do touch it, it's quite nice they finish it off.