Alexander Isak makes instant impact as Andoni Iraola sent timely reminder ahead of World Cup
Alexander Isak sent a timely reminder to Liverpool on his return from injury with Sweden, and Andoni Iraola may have been watching on as he looks to be closing in on becoming the Reds’ new manager
20:16, 01 Jun 2026Updated 20:23, 01 Jun 2026
Alexander Isak made his return from injury in Sweden’s friendly against Norway(Image: Getty Images)
Alexander Isak sent a timely reminder to Andoni Iraola as Liverpool looks to be closing in on appointing its new manager.
Having sat out three of the Reds’ final four games of the season, Isak was back in action on Monday as Sweden faced Norway in a warm-up friendly ahead of this summer’s World Cup. The striker will be flying out to North America soon, and he will do so having picked up some crucial minutes, as well as a superb goal.
Isak was called from the bench just after the hour mark in Oslo, with Norway already 3-0 up as reported Liverpool target Antonio Nusa got on the scoresheet.
Just 14 minutes after being introduced, Isak gave Sweden some hope of staging a late comeback as he scored a brilliant solo goal.
Picking the ball up just past halfway from a clearance, Isak drove at Norway defender Sondre Langas as he made his way into the box before moving the ball onto his right foot and curling a superb effort beyond Orjan Nyland.
Although he couldn’t inspire Sweden to a comeback, with Norway holding on for the 3-1 win, his run and goal will come as an encouraging sign for both his country ahead of the World Cup, and for Liverpool.
Alexander Isak scores for Sweden against Norway(Image: Getty Images)
Having broken the Premier League transfer record with his deadline day move from Newcastle, Isak endured an injury-ravaged first season with the Reds, playing just 22 games and only scoring four goals in the process.
Fears about his fitness were once again raised just before the end of the season after he wasn’t included in the squads against Manchester United and Aston Villa, before being left on the bench for the final game of the campaign against Brentford.
With Liverpool seemingly getting closer to hiring Arne Slot’s replacement though, Isak looks to have allayed those fears, and now Iraola might be keeping his fingers crossed he can maintain his fitness this summer.
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Talks are beginning with the former Bournemouth boss to step into the Anfield dugout after Slot’s firing at the weekend, and with Hugo Ekitike set to miss at least a chunk of next season, Isak will be needed to lead the line for the Reds.
Liverpool.com says: That’s just what Liverpool and – most likely – Iraola will have wanted to see. That goal for Isak will hopefully do him the world of good ahead of the World Cup.
The key now is that he stays fit during the tournament, and reports back to Liverpool for a proper pre-season, which will hopefully make a marked difference next season.
