Alexander Isak made a promising start to life at Liverpool in the club’s dramatic 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night, and Arne Slot admitted he was “positively surprised” by the striker’s fitness.
The £125m signing had barely played over the summer, featuring for only 18 minutes for Sweden against Kosovo during the recent international break. Yet, Slot felt the 20-year-old was ready for the challenge, handing him his Liverpool debut in the club’s opening European match of the season.
The Sweden international lasted a full hour before being substituted for Hugo Ekitike, giving fans a glimpse of the attacking threat the Reds hope he can provide throughout his six year stay on Merseyside.
“That maybe tells you that it might be different to sign a 20-year-old from a different league than a 25-year-old used to playing in this league,” Slot said.
“Although he only trained for two weeks, he has so many games under his belt in this league. I wasn’t surprised about his quality as we all know that. It’s always nice to see if a player starts the way he started. Ekitike started the same way.”
Slot stressed that the debut was a measured step in Isak’s integration into the squad, rather than an expectation of him playing the full 90 minutes immediately.
“It was a good start, only 60 minutes and now we have to build him up from here. He’s not going to play 90 against Everton,” he said. “One of the things you need if you want to compete for the Premier League and the cups is mentality and fitness and quality and today we saw that.”
While much of the post-match focus was on Virgil van Dijk’s 92nd-minute winner, Slot was eager to highlight the positive attacking combinations that often went unnoticed.
“Maybe I’m a bit disappointed we scored in the last minute. I know it will be a great headline and [something] to talk about but I’d have liked it more if people were talking about our other attacks where Florian and Alexander combined together,” he said.
“I can come up with so many great attacks we had today but everyone is talking about the late winner. I understand it as it’s the story of this game and the last five games. I saw many good things.”
Florian Wirtz, also making strides in his first season in English football impressed alongside Isak. Slot highlighted the German’s creativity and how he is gradually adapting to the intensity of it.
“He was close a few times to scoring a goal and assisting a goal,” Slot said. “He created the most chances for us today. I can see with him as well he is getting fitter and adjusting more to us. Which is normal as you need a bit of time to adjust.”
Slot was candid about the challenges young players face when moving abroad, drawing from both personal experience and observation.
“People forget he’s a 22-year-old going for the first time abroad. Last year was my first time abroad at 46 and all the things that are normal are not normal,” he said. “Combine that with going to a new club, new playing style, we ask a bit more of him on the ball and defensively as well. I can see him grow more and more. A quality player always adjusts to what he needs. He and the team will get better.”
The combination of Isak and Wirtz provided multiple glimpses of what Liverpool’s attack could look like this season. Slot’s focus on building fitness, understanding, and tactical cohesion was evident throughout the match. Even in limited minutes, Isak’s pressing, movement, and ability to link up with teammates offered a preview of the attacking threat the Reds now possess.
Beyond the individual performances, the victory underlined Liverpool’s capacity to handle high-pressure situations in Europe. While Atletico Madrid’s resilience kept the match tight, Liverpool managed to maintain composure and ultimately claim the points, thanks in part to the contributions of their new signings. Slot emphasised that the late drama should not overshadow the tactical and technical positives.
“One of the things you need if you want to compete for the Premier League and the cups is mentality and fitness and quality and today we saw that,” he said.
“A quality player always adjusts to what he needs. He and the team will get better.”
Liverpool now turn their attention to domestic matters, but the European opener has already provided valuable lessons. Fitness, adaptability, and tactical understanding will be key for both Isak and Wirtz as they continue to settle
The win also provides momentum and confidence as the Reds continue their Champions League journey, but it also serves as a reminder of the fine margins at this level.
