Teddy Sheringham: Liverpool's Isak Is Premier League's Best Striker

Teddy Sheringham says Alexander Isak is the best striker in the Premier League

Former striker Teddy Sheringham has claimed Liverpool centre-forward Alexander Isak is the best striker in the Premier League, urging the Swede to win the Golden Boot and beat Erling Haaland to the award. Isak has scored four goals and added one assist in seven appearances across all competitions this season.

Claim: Teddy Sheringham says Alexander Isak is the best striker in the Premier League
Isak's 2025/26 form: Four goals and one assist in seven appearances across all competitions
Isak's age: 27
Liverpool's manager: Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot
Liverpool's league position: Sixth, with nine points from five games
Context: Sheringham wants Isak to win the Golden Boot, not just to beat Erling Haaland

What was said

"I really like Alexander Isak. I like what he gives you as a centre-forward. For me, he's the best striker in the Premier League. He is phenomenal. I'd like to see him win the Golden Boot this year, and not just to beat Erling Haaland but for the way that Isak plays the game, and how hungry he is for goals."
— Teddy Sheringham, speaking via Metro

Sheringham's praise is unequivocal: he rates Isak above every other centre-forward in the division, including Haaland, whom he acknowledges has been the most consistent striker in recent years. The former England international is not simply calling Isak a good player; he is framing the 27-year-old as a stylistic throwback — a forward whose movement, link play and appetite for goals make him the most complete No.9 in England.

The Golden Boot ambition is telling. Sheringham wants Isak to win it not merely as a trophy, but as recognition for how he plays the game. That is a direct challenge to Haaland's dominance of the award and a signal that Isak's all-round contribution is being measured against more than raw goal tally.

The numbers

Alexander Isak's record this season: 7 appearances, 4 goals, 1 assist across all competitions
Isak's age: 27
Liverpool's Premier League position: 6th
Liverpool's points: 9 from 5 league games
Hugo Ekitike's 2024/25 output: 23 goal contributions in 45 appearances across all competitions

Injury and availability

Hugo Ekitike has been sidelined for an extended period due to a serious injury, leaving Andoni Iraola with Alexander Isak as the only available senior striker option. Isak himself has had an injury absence this season, though the source does not specify its duration. The lack of alternatives means Isak's fitness is now critical to Liverpool's attacking plans, with Cody Gakpo previously providing cover in the No.9 position and Isak also capable of covering on the left flank if needed.

Why Sheringham's praise matters for Liverpool's season

Alexander Isak arrived at Anfield from Newcastle United — where he had showcased his goal-scoring prowess after joining from Real Sociedad — for a club-record fee last year. His debut campaign was disrupted by fitness problems, but the early signs this season suggest he is finding the rhythm that made him one of Europe's most feared forwards. Sheringham's endorsement is a reminder that Isak's value is not confined to goals: his ability to drop deep, link play and drift left gives Liverpool a tactical flexibility that few other strikers in the league offer.

With Hugo Ekitike injured, Andoni Iraola has little choice but to build his attack around Isak. That means the 27-year-old will be asked to shoulder a heavy load in a season that has already seen Liverpool accumulate nine points from five games and sit sixth in the table. If Isak stays fit, his goal-scoring could be the difference between a top-four push and a mid-table finish. If he breaks down again, Liverpool's lack of cover — Cody Gakpo is the only other option through the middle — becomes a glaring weakness.

Sheringham's comparison with Erling Haaland is instructive. Haaland has been the most consistent striker in the league in recent years, but Sheringham argues Isak's all-round game is superior. The Golden Boot race will be the ultimate test: if Isak can outscore Haaland while playing a more complete role, it would vindicate Sheringham's claim and cement Isak's status as the Premier League's premier No.9.

Talking points

Can Isak realistically outscore Haaland over a full season when Liverpool are relying on him as their only fit senior striker?
Does Sheringham's praise put unfair pressure on Isak, or is it a fair reflection of his talent?
Should Liverpool have signed another striker instead of letting Ekitike's injury leave them so exposed?
Is Isak's injury record a long-term concern, or was last season's fitness trouble a one-off?

What happens next

Liverpool's next fixture will be the first test of whether Isak can carry the attacking burden alone. With Ekitike out and Gakpo the only alternative through the middle, Iraola must decide whether to keep Isak as a lone No.9 or shift him to the left to accommodate a makeshift forward. The Golden Boot race against Haaland will be the long-term gauge, but the short-term priority is points: Liverpool need to climb from sixth and prove Sheringham's assessment is more than just praise.

Frequently asked questions

Is Alexander Isak the best striker in the Premier League?

Teddy Sheringham says yes, calling Isak the best striker in the Premier League and describing him as phenomenal. He acknowledges Erling Haaland has been the most consistent striker in recent years, but rates Isak above him.