Jamie Carragher thinks this is what makes Alexander Isak better than Erling Haaland
Jamie Carragher has suggested that Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is better than Manchester City man Erling Haaland.
Liverpool signed Isak from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day, after agreeing a deal worth a Premier League record £125million.
A potential deal had still been in doubt until the final days of the window, when the Magpies finally relented and agreed to sanction the sale.
Isak made his Liverpool debut against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, playing 58 minutes in his first club match since May.
With fitness still lacking, Isak was quiet on his Liverpool debut, but the striker is expected to be handed his first Premier League start against Everton on Saturday.
Jamie Carragher: Alexander Isak is ‘not just a goalscorer’
Isak had his moments against Atletico Madrid, but Liverpool fans were already well aware of why the Reds spent so much money to sign him.
The Swede enjoyed a monstrous season for Newcastle United, scoring 27 goals in all competitions and providing six assists as the Magpies narrowly qualified for the Champions League.
Liverpool will hope this season that Isak can compete for the Premier League golden boot alongside Manchester City striker Haaland.
| Alexander Isak | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Expected goals | 20.42 |
| Duels won | 94 |
| Dribbles | 89 |
The Norway international has started the season in fine form, but Carragher suggested that Liverpool’s new signing has something over him.
“You know what, he didn’t score, but had plenty of lovely touches,” the former Liverpool defender told CBS Sports Golazo on Wednesday after Isak’s debut.
“When the ball comes into him, you see the way he turns there. He’s really clever. Thierry [Henry] knows this better than anyone, he’s not just a goal-scorer.
“That’s why he’s different to Haaland. Haaland’s all about goals. He’s doing things, turning, getting on the ball, he’s a fantastic player, not just a great goal-scorer.”
Alexander Isak will offer more than Erling Haaland
The stats via Sofascore back up Carragher’s claim, with Isak massively outperforming Haaland in a number of areas last season.
There is no question over the latter’s ability to outscore his fellow Scandinavian forward, with Haaland scoring an absurd 124 goals over the past three seasons.
But goals were not exactly in short supply for Liverpool last season. Mohamed Salah bagged the golden boot with 29 in the Premier League, and the Reds scored a huge 86 over the course of the league season – 14 more than Manchester City.
Isak and Florian Wirtz have been bought both to score goals and to tie the attack together, with Hugo Ekitike sure to help in that department too.
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