Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hailed Alexander Isak’s “quality” and insisted the £125m striker was signed as a vital replacement rather than a luxury addition.
The Reds spent heavily this summer, with over £450m invested in new arrivals as Arne Slot reshaped his squad. Alongside Isak, Liverpool brought in Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Armin Pesci and Freddie Woodman – moves that have made them favourites to defend their Premier League crown.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Van Dijk made it clear that the 25-year-old was brought in to play a central role.
“Well, it’s not really an addition, it’s a replacement because obviously we’ve got players with a lot of quality who have left us, so we obviously had to replace these players that were so important for us and that we had successes with,” he said.
The Dutchman acknowledged the pressure that comes with Isak’s price tag but stressed it will not define him.
Isak, however, has yet to make his debut after arriving from Newcastle United on deadline day, with the Sweden international still building up match fitness following a summer-long strike to force his transfer. That could change this week, as Liverpool kick off their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
“Obviously it comes with a price tag and the price tag we have no control of. So, I totally understand from the outside world there will always be talks about that and that creates a sort of pressure, but it’s down to him and obviously with us that we don’t speak about those type of things.
“We want to perform, we want to show that we have the quality to play on the highest level, to play for Liverpool and to play Champions League football. Hopefully for him, score a lot of goals and that’s it. Just work hard, enjoy being the No.9 for Liverpool and be important for the group with your goals, assists, link-up play, help others – and that’s the only thing you have influence on.”
Van Dijk revealed that Isak has already impressed since joining up with the squad.
“Very good. Very eager, obviously the quality has been shown already from the first session – I was still on international [duty but] from what I’ve heard and seen.
“So yeah, only positive and off the pitch as well we have conversations. I spoke to him during the international break when everything was sorted and for him obviously it’s about getting as fit as possible as quickly as possible, getting to understand each one of us as quickly as possible – how we train, how we press, set-pieces. It’s been a good week for him. Let’s see tomorrow.”
Isak scored 27 times for Newcastle last season, and Van Dijk is excited about what he can offer Liverpool, especially in competition with fellow new forward Hugo Ekitike.
“Obviously he’s a clinical finisher. I think if you look at his finishing skills: heading, left, right, top corners – he’s the complete striker at the moment, and the same you can say about Hugo [Ekitike].
“I think they are obviously maybe a little bit different but not by much, they both have so much quality. They are comfortable on the ball so they can link up play, they have pace and that’s basically what’s being asked nowadays from the modern-day striker.
“Both are a handful and it’s obviously good that both are on my side now! Hopefully they can show that in the next games and the whole year for the opponents.”
Liverpool go into Wednesday night’s clash having won all four of their opening Premier League matches, and supporters will be eager to see whether their new number nine is handed his long-awaited debut on the European stage.
