Alexander Isak shows up Michael Owen as private talks about Liverpool star come to light

Michael Owen has been proven wrong on his Alexander Isak Liverpool theory with talks in private over his fitness emerging. The 26-year-old has played just over 300 minutes for his new club and despite picking up a goal and assist, he has looked a little off the pace.

It is certainly no surprise that is the case with the chaotic saga over his future resulting in him having no proper pre-season while also missing the first few weeks of the new campaign. Despite that,Owen was of the expectation that he would be able to immediately make an impact after offering his verdict on the switch.

"I don't think so [the transfer saga will weigh heavily]," Owen told the Daily Star via BetSelect. "He's obviously got his dream move, one that he will think he was justified.

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"I think Isak will hit the ground running. He's in a successful team, a team that is winning games, creating chances. It's not like he's come from a new league. He's used to the Premier League. He knows everything about it.

"So there is no reason why, apart from getting to know his new fellow players, there's no real reason why he won't be an immediate success."

On Isak's qualities in an already excellent Liverpool team, he added: "He'll have a huge impact. You don't pay £125million for somebody not to have an impact. Who else is out there that's better in that position?

"Liverpool have probably got the best goalkeeper in the world. They've probably got the best centre-half in the world. They've probably got the best right-sided attacker in the world. And arguably, they've now got the best centre-forward in the world.

"And to have the best you can get in four or five positions in a team, just makes you incredibly strong. And that's what Liverpool have gone and done."

Isak did not take long to score his first Liverpool goal with that arriving on his second start in a 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton. He also assisted Cody Gakpo's goal in the defeat to Chelsea this past weekend with an exquisite - albeit seemingly accidental - touch in the box.

In that loss at Stamford Bridge and the defeat to Crystal Palace by the same score line one week earlier, Isak struggled, and it is clear that his fitness is still lacking. With that in mind, it is perhaps no surprise that the plan is for his minutes to continue being managed on international duty with Sweden.

The Reds have been regularly holding private talks, with the national team performance manager Ben Rosen likely to ensure he is looked after. Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has also offered an insight into their long-term plan.

"We can't change the situation (with Isak)," he said this week. "I'm just happy that Liverpool are doing the same thing I would have done.

"You can see what Newcastle did with Yoane Wissa, who came in instead of Isak. He played international matches with Congo straight away and is now injured. He is still injured.

"That's also a reason why we couldn't play him so much last month. We need a good Isak this month and next month. That's how we plan, while Liverpool have done really well."

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