Virgil van Dijk has thrown his support behind Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak, insisting he’s “not worried at all” about the striker despite a nightmare debut season blighted by injuries and a lack of goals.
The Swedish forward, who cost a British record £125million, has netted just four times in 21 games for Arne Slot’s side. Only three of those have come in the Premier League during a stop start campaign that’s never really got going.
But Liverpool’s captain reckons the quality is there for all to see even if the numbers don’t yet back it up.
“In terms of what I’ve seen of him, everyone knows and sees and experiences as teammates how outstanding he is,” said Van Dijk. “It is about getting games, confidence but obviously scoring goals as a striker, that’s the main trigger for him.
“I’m not worried at all about him whatsoever.”
Isak’s maiden season on Merseyside has been nothing short of cursed. He suffered a fractured leg while scoring against Tottenham back in December, requiring ankle surgery that wiped out a huge chunk of the campaign.
His goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, a scrappy but desperately needed finish, was his first in 2026. The relief around Anfield was palpable.
Van Dijk, never one to sugarcoat things, admitted the forward simply has to find the net more often going forward.
“We want more than goals from him and that’s what he can bring,” the Dutch colossus added. “He just has to keep going and keep working, keep staying fit and keep staying important for the football club because I think he will and he already is.”
The Liverpool skipper was careful not to pile pressure on his teammate, acknowledging just how brutal Isak’s first year at Anfield has really been.
“It is quite an understatement to say he’s had a tough year,” Van Dijk said. “He can probably explain it better but the injuries he had and the timing of it has been bad.
“But now he is fit and we all know what he can bring,he shows it in training and in games as well. It is on him now to keep showing that.”
There was just a hint of a smile when Van Dijk looked further ahead, specifically to this summer’s World Cup, where Netherlands will face Sweden in Houston.
“Hopefully after the World Cup, because at the World Cup we play against each other so he can take it a little bit easier then,” joked the centre back.
The good news for Liverpool fans? Saturday also saw Florian Wirtz the club’s second most expensive signing find the net in injury time against Palace. Two mega money men on the scoresheet at last.
“That was always the plan,” said Van Dijk. “These two particular players have been brought to the club to make an impact. It’s not been an easy season for anyone, including those two but you see the quality they have.”
Next up for Isak and Co? A chance to build some momentum before the summer. But for a £125m striker, the clock is always ticking.