Liverpool's Iraola: A fit Isak will 'produce the numbers'
· Yahoo Sports
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has no doubt Liverpool's £125 million ($169 million) forward Alexander Isak will "produce the numbers" this season after a brace inside nine minutes inspired a 2-0 win at Ipswich.
All eyes were on summer arrival Bradley Barcola in Suffolk, but after Iraola named the France forward on the bench, Isak showed why the Reds paid such a hefty fee to prize him away from Newcastle last summer.
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Isak endured an injury-hit debut campaign at Anfield in which he scored only four goals in 22 appearances, but his double at Portman Road took the 26-year-old up to three for the campaign to help new Liverpool boss Iraola get his first win at the third time of asking.
"Yes, with Alex, if he is fit, if he is available, if he is in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers," Iraola said.
"My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably will be about other things. I will demand other things so we can play well, because if we play well we are in good positions and the goals will come.
"He has to contribute towards the collective and knowing when everyone helps, after the goals and assists will come."
Isak stole the headlines on Friday, but both of his strikes were assisted by Cody Gakpo, who could have left Anfield before the transfer deadline, with both Tottenham and Manchester City interested in the Netherlands international.
However, Liverpool blocked a move and Iraola was not surprised by the quality on show from the versatile winger, who produced a fine through-ball for Isak's opener and an even better outside-of-the-foot pass for the second in the ninth-minute.
Iraola added: "I had no doubt with Cody. He has been very good all the pre-season, has started very well the season, producing numbers.
"After the two assists, he finished as a number nine to help us close the game and I think it's good to have Cody because he can play in the three positions up top. To have him in this place, for the beginning of the season, it's good.
"I think Cody knows how much we value him, I think there is no doubt. I rate him very highly."
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League soccer match against Ipswich Town, at Portman Road Stadium. (is associated with: «Liverpool's Iraola: A fit Isak will 'produce the numbers'») Adam Davy/PA Wire/dpa