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Alexander Isak's Struggles at Liverpool Might be Down to Karma, Says Former Newcastle Keeper Tim Krul

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tim Krul believes that Alexander Isak's underwhelming start to his Liverpool career could be a result of "karma" for the way he forced his way out of Newcastle United. The Sweden international trained on his own for most of the summer, refusing to participate in pre-season training with the Magpies, before eventually completing a British record £125m move to Anfield on transfer deadline day. Krul, who is now playing for Al Ettifaq, thinks that Isak's actions, or lack thereof, might be coming back to haunt him as he struggles to find his footing at his new club.

Key Takeaways:

  • Alexander Isak's below-par start to his Liverpool career might be due to the way he forced his way out of Newcastle United, according to former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul.
  • Krul believes that there were no winners in the Isak transfer saga, and that the striker's training on his own during the summer might be a result of "karma".
  • Isak's training antics have led to him struggling to find his footing at Liverpool, where he has returned just one goal and one assist from his first eight appearances for the Reds.
  • Krul thinks that Newcastle United were wise to move on from Isak, and that his replacement, Nick Woltemade, has settled in well at St. James' Park.
  • Krul also pointed to the example of Marc Guehi, who did not force a move to Liverpool and has had a strong season for Crystal Palace, as a contrast to Isak's situation.
  • Isak is set to miss Liverpool's Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday due to a groin injury, and his country Sweden is also at risk of missing out on World Cup qualification.
  • Newcastle United were eager to complete the transfer clause for Isak's signing, with manager Eddie Howe wanting the squad to be complete earlier.

Statistics:

  • Alexander Isak's Liverpool transfer fee was a British record £125m.
  • Isak has returned just one goal and one assist from his first eight appearances for Liverpool.
  • Newcastle United have replaced Isak with Nick Woltemade, who has settled in well at St. James' Park.
  • Marc Guehi, who did not force a move to Liverpool, has had a strong season for Crystal Palace.
  • Liverpool have dropped to seventh in the Premier League table after losing six of their last seven games in all competitions.
  • Sweden is bottom of their qualification group ahead of the November international break.

Sources:

  • Newcastle World, 23 October 2023, [https://www.newcastleworld.co.uk/articles/liverpool/alexander-isak-tim-krul-newcastle-united](https://www.newcastleworld.co.uk/articles/liverpool/alexander-isak-tim-krul-newcastle-united)
  • talkSPORT, [https://www.talksport.com/football/5429556/tim-krul-alexander-isak-karma-liverpool-newcastle-united-transfer/](https://www.talksport.com/football/5429556/tim-krul-alexander-isak-karma-liverpool-newcastle-united-transfer/)
  • Sky Sports, [https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12865284/alexander-isak-expected-to-miss-liverpool-v-aston-villa](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12865284/alexander-isak-expected-to-miss-liverpool-v-aston-villa)

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