Alexander Isak begins to justify record price tag at Liverpool

Following an extended period of adaptation and setbacks, Alexander Isak is finally beginning to prove why Liverpool broke the bank for his signature. The Swedish striker played a pivotal role in maintaining the Reds' Premier League winning streak with a commanding 2-0 victory over an in-form Brighton side.

The Scandinavian forward arrived at Anfield from Newcastle in August 2025 for a British record £125 million fee. His debut campaign on Merseyside proved to be a challenging test, as a sluggish start compounded by a broken leg in December restricted him to just four goals in 22 appearances. However, the current season is telling an entirely different story for the 27-year-old marksman.

Isak is currently averaging nearly a goal per game, boasting six strikes already this season—accounting for more than half of Liverpool's total league tally. In the Premier League Golden Boot race, only Erling Haaland, with nine goals, sits ahead of him.

Much like the trip to Brentford last week, the Swede was not constantly in the thick of the action, but he proved ruthless when it mattered most. His clinical finish provided vital breathing room for the hosts against a Brighton side that commanded 64% of possession and finished the match with a higher expected goals (xG) tally.

Ultimately, Liverpool controlled proceedings until the final whistle, delivering arguably their most mature league display under Andoni Iraola, who clinched his maiden league victory at Anfield at the fourth attempt. The club hierarchy's patience with Isak throughout his injury-plagued debut season is now yielding rich rewards.

"We put in a really strong performance today against a top-quality side. In the first half, we showed exactly what we strive for—high intensity and winning our individual battles," Isak said after the final whistle.

Manager Andoni Iraola was equally full of praise for his talisman, highlighting the collective effort: "Alex is always a threat for the opposition, particularly when we pick him out with quality delivery. In this instance, Bradley Barcola won his duel and used his pace superbly to create the opportunity."

The most ominous sign for the rest of the league is that Isak is still far from his absolute peak—a prospect that will certainly concern Liverpool's upcoming league opponents, Arsenal.