Daniel Sturridge piles pressure on Alexander Isak with Arne Slot verdict
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCThe striker missed Sunday's trip to Old Trafford with a minor injury and might return this weekend, but Daniel Sturridge wants to see much more from the Premier League's most-expensive signingDaniel Sturridge has said Liverpool will need to get more from Alexander Isak next seasonFormer Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge believes much of Liverpool’s success next season will be based around Alexander Isak’s impact.The former Newcastle man was again absent as the Reds lost 3-2 against Manchester United on Sunday, with a minor training injury ruling him out of the trip to Old Trafford. While Arne Slot said he is hopeful Isak will be back to face Chelsea on Saturday, his fitness issues have been a recurring problem this season.But with Mohamed Salah leaving at the end of the season and Hugo Ekitike injured, much more will be demanded of Isak next term.
Sturridge, speaking after Sunday’s game, said Liverpool needs more from the club’s record signing in 2026/27.READ MORE: Jamie Carragher says Liverpool needs three players to rebuild team after nightmare seasonREAD MORE: Gary Neville lays into Liverpool 'mess' as 'anxious' Arne Slot players crumble“The most important thing for Arne Slot is to fix the problems from this season,” said the ex-Manchester City and Chelsea star.“You have to trust him to make that decision. This season he's not been as good but they're in the top four.“They can get Champions League football, regroup, decide on the framework, decide on the players who are with you.
You've got to give the man a chance to implement the philosophy.Isak scored his first home league goal last against Crystal Palace two weeks ago“The attack was built around Mo Salah,” Sturridge continued. You've got a pre-season with Isak who you hope will be fit.”Isak has managed just four goals since his $169 million move from Newcastle last summer and is yet to play a full 90-minute match for the Reds in an injury-plagued season.His pre-United injury was untimely in that it came just two days after Slot stressed the importance of Isak building up his fitness before the end of the season.Isak has struggled with fitness issues this season(Image: Getty Images)“Having Alex more and more available, having him available at his top level, would increase that [converting chance] even more,” said Slot on Friday.“Last week [against Crystal Palace] you could see it was a chance but it wasn’t the biggest chance we’ve had this season and he finished that one off really well by scoring the 1-0 and scoring a goal which is vital in football as it sets you in the right direction.“It makes sense that connections need to be rebuilt and that is the good thing, we have training time, so we can bring him in the positions he prefers,” added Slot.“It's helpful for him to get fitter.