
Van Dijk header snatches victory for Liverpool against Atletico
All eyes were on £125m British record signing Alexander Isak as he made his Liverpool debut following his move from Newcastle United.
He showed some sweet touches but, inevitably, tired before being substituted after 58 minutes. Isak’s last competitive club game was on 25 May for Newcastle, so it is understandable Liverpool are handling him with care – and the striker looked rusty.
If Isak is the new Liverpool superstar, one of the old guard showed he is not ready to stand aside just yet as Mohamed Salah shrugged off some early season lethargy to return to his brilliant best.
He was a constant menace, also hitting the post after Marcos Llorente pulled one back for Atletico.
Anfield has a special place in Llorente’s heart after he also scored twice when Atletico won 3-2 in a Champions League last-16 tie in March 2020.
In the aftermath of that win, Llorente named the dog he gave to his mother ‘Anfield’, and showed again why this is his favourite stadium with an equaliser nine minutes from time.
Liverpool, as is their wont this season, were not to be denied.
This time it was Van Dijk who snatched the win for Liverpool – allowing Slot’s birthday celebrations to be accompanied by victory rather than a frustrating draw.
Isak eases his way into Liverpool life
Isak, understandably, was some way from his best but showed enough in 58 minutes to give a golden hint to what riches his future may offer.
Liverpool were actually 2-0 ahead before Isak got his first touch in a red shirt after 10 minutes and there were anxious groans around Anfield when he was left banging his hand on the turf in agony after Atletico defender Robin Le Normand’s late challenge made painful contact with the top of his foot.
Isak gradually worked his way into the game, but started to look leggy as the first half came to a close. He came out for the second half, but it was no surprise when he was withdrawn to a generous standing ovation before the hour.
Slot said: “In the 60 minutes he played, he seemed to be quite fit to me. It wasn’t as if after 10 minutes he was already very tired. He could play at this level quite well after one or two weeks of team sessions.
“He can play football and he’s a joy to watch. That is not a surprise to me. He was fitter than I expected, but the fans can’t get their hopes too high. We play three times a week and that’s a bit too much for him still.
“We have two great number nines [Isak and Hugo Ekitike] and we’re going to use both of them throughout their career here.”
Isak had two shots which brought saves from Atletico keeper Jan Oblak, but the most significant takeaway was his link with another Liverpool new boy, £116m playmaker Florian Wirtz.
The pair dovetailed superbly in the first half to create a chance for Jeremie Frimpong, which he could not convert, then Isak’s instinctive flick – with his back to goal and without a look – was played straight into the German’s path, bringing roars of approval from Liverpool’s fans.
Isak and Wirtz linked up nine times in the game, this small sample size of their work together suggesting they will be a formidable weapon in Liverpool’s armoury.
It was a quiet introduction for Isak – but enough to show what he will bring.