Roberto Firmino’s advice to Alexander Isak proves spot-on as Liverpool star scores twice in nine minutes
Roberto Firmino’s advice to Alexander Isak appears to have worked instantly, with the Liverpool striker finding the net twice within just nine minutes against Ipswich.
Isak put Liverpool 2-0 ahead at Portman Road on Friday night, delivering one of his best performances of the season so far.
His opener came after Cody Gakpo picked him out inside the box. Isak showed the instincts of a natural No. 9, firing a powerful effort past Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen at the near post.
Just minutes later, Isak produced an even more impressive finish. Gakpo brilliantly split the Ipswich defence with an outside-of-the-foot pass, leaving Isak with plenty still to do.
The Sweden international brilliantly danced past Jacob Greaves before calmly placing his shot into the bottom-left corner to complete his quickfire double.
Isak nearly completed his hat-trick before half-time when he converted Florian Wirtz’s low cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for a narrow offside.
The £125 million signing entered the new campaign under significant pressure after struggling with injuries and inconsistent form last season. He also endured a difficult outing in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle before finally opening his account against Nottingham Forest.
Firmino, who experienced his own difficult beginning at Anfield after joining Liverpool in 2015, recently offered Isak some important advice.
The Brazilian told The Athletic that Isak simply needed to remain positive and relax, insisting that the striker had already shown he was among the Premier League’s best.
Firmino explained that playing for a club as big as Liverpool naturally brings pressure, particularly when a huge transfer fee is involved, but urged Isak not to allow that pressure to affect him.
He also pointed out that last season should not define the striker, given the injuries he suffered and the difficult campaign Liverpool endured as a team.
According to Firmino, Isak now has a fresh opportunity under new manager Andoni Iraola and should become more confident as he builds chemistry with his teammates and receives more chances.
Against Ipswich, Isak appeared to follow that advice perfectly. His first goal showcased his power, while his second demonstrated composure, skill and confidence — exactly the qualities Liverpool will be hoping to see from their record signing throughout the season.
