Alexander Isak’s first season at Liverpool was disrupted from the very beginning. After arriving without a proper pre-season and later suffering a serious setback involving Micky van de Ven, the Swedish striker struggled to find any real rhythm during the 2025/26 campaign.
His fitness problems were partly linked to his difficult final months at Newcastle United, but even after moving to Anfield, Isak appeared to be constantly playing catch-up because of his delayed start.
Things have looked much brighter under Andoni Iraola this season. The £125m forward has started to repay Liverpool’s faith in him, finding the net four times in his opening five Premier League appearances.
Isak finally looks to have rediscovered his goalscoring form, although his latest injury setback has raised concerns over whether another spell on the sidelines could interrupt his momentum.
What happened with Isak and Sweden?
After facing his former club Newcastle United on the opening weekend and missing a late penalty opportunity, there were concerns that Isak could be heading towards another frustrating campaign.
However, a simple finish against Nottingham Forest appeared to kick-start his season. He has also developed a promising understanding with Cody Gakpo, with the pair combining twice again during the victory over Ipswich Town.
Isak’s impressive run continued with Sweden, as he scored during their Nations League victory over Romania.
Unfortunately, his celebration was short-lived. Following the match, it was confirmed that the striker had suffered a thigh problem and would therefore miss Sweden’s remaining Nations League fixtures this month.
Sweden boss Graham Potter described the injury as a “small problem”, with Isak sent back to Liverpool largely because of the quick turnaround between matches.
Nevertheless, the situation will still concern Iraola, particularly given the striker’s injury problems last season and the Premier League returning in just over a week.
Liverpool also lack an obvious alternative at centre-forward while Hugo Ekitike continues his recovery. Lewis Koumas has impressed recently, though, and the injury could provide Iraola with an opportunity to give the young forward a bigger role.
Liverpool may already have their next No. 9
Liverpool have historically produced some excellent strikers through their academy, with Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler among the standout examples.
There is growing excitement around Koumas, who has already become popular with supporters thanks to his tireless pressing and work rate.
However, questions remain over whether the 21-year-old can become a consistent goalscorer. He managed only four Championship goals last season.
If Liverpool are looking for a genuine long-term challenger to Isak for the No. 9 role, though, another academy prospect is attracting even more attention.
Eighteen-year-old Will Wright has continued to tear it up at youth level and is rapidly building a reputation as one of Liverpool’s most exciting young forwards.
The former Salford City youngster has already scored six goals in six appearances across all competitions this season, including five goals in just four Premier League 2 matches.
Premier League 2 leading scorers
Player| Club| Goals
Carrick Njinko| Leeds United| 6
Will Wright| Liverpool| 5
Reggie Watson| Chelsea| 5
Cruz Ibeh| Middlesbrough| 4
Jayden Quashie| Fulham| 4
Josh Landers| West Ham United| 4
Kaye Furo| Brentford| 4
Princewill Ehibhatiomhan| Southampton| 4
Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi| Sunderland| 4
Brandon Pouani| Burnley| 3
Wright’s numbers are particularly impressive considering he is already competing at U21 level despite being only 18.
For Liverpool’s U21 side, he has produced 18 goals and assists in just 21 appearances. Before joining the Reds, he also made four senior appearances for Salford City.
Although he failed to score for Salford’s first team, Wright was prolific in their youth setup, scoring more than 40 goals during the 2024/25 campaign before completing a £200,000 move to Anfield.
Arsenal were also reportedly interested in signing him at the time, meaning Liverpool’s decision to secure his services for a relatively modest fee could prove to be a smart piece of business.
Wright recently offered another glimpse of his potential against Rochdale in the EFL Trophy. He produced an outstanding individual run, including a brilliant nutmeg inside the penalty area, before calmly smashing the ball into the roof of the net.
It was another display that highlighted his natural goalscoring instincts and suggested that a first-team opportunity could eventually come his way.
With Wright continuing to score freely, Liverpool may already have another potential No. 9 developing behind Isak. The Swedish striker could have serious competition for his place in the years ahead.
