Houghton expects Isak to shine with Liverpool: he will score more than 20 goals this season

Former Liverpool star Ray Houghton expects Swedish striker Alexander Isak to score more than 20 goals for the team this season, stating that the player has appeared completely different compared to last season.

Alexander Isak has joined Liverpool for £125 million, making him the most expensive player in British football history. However, his first season with the team did not meet expectations, as he only scored four goals, struggling with fitness issues and then suffering a leg fracture.

However, Swedish forward Alexander Isak has started the current season strongly, having opened his scoring account against Nottingham Forest, before netting a crucial brace against Ipswich, and then scoring the winner against Bournemouth. In doing so, Isak has already matched his goal tally from last season, despite having only played in seven matches.

Chris Hughton stated in an interview with "GOAL": "Yes, I think he will surpass the 20-goal mark. It depends on his physical readiness, but he looks in good shape, doesn't he? When you watch him this season compared to last season, there is a big difference between his level now and what it was; he is in a much better position."

He added: "His movements are good, and this suits players who play on the flanks. If you are a winger and move inside, you can send balls behind the defensive line, because he has the speed and that is where he wants to play. He doesn't want to receive the ball at his feet, as that is not his strength, and he doesn't need to drop back too much and participate in build-up play."

Hughton explained that Isak is at his best when he uses his speed behind defenders, saying: "He wants to run and force the opponent's defence to retreat, as he loves to play on the edge of the last defender. His timing of movements has improved, as we saw against Ipswich, and then he scored another goal against Bournemouth. The reason is that he is in the right place at the right time to finish the attack."

The Liverpool star concluded his remarks by saying: "There are a lot of positive things for him. I said before he joined Liverpool that he knows the Premier League and knows what is required, and if he gets the right service, he will score goals. It was difficult to judge him last season due to his physical condition, especially since he got injured against Tottenham and then had to try to catch up. This season he went to the World Cup, got an extra period of physical work with Sweden, and returned looking fit and healthy and enjoying what he is doing, and even the smile has returned to his face. There are a lot of positives."