Joe Hart: Isak's Deep Drops Reveal Confidence Issues at Liverpool

BBC Sport pundit Joe Hart has offered a damning assessment of Alexander Isak's recent displays for Liverpool, suggesting the striker's tendency to drop deep is a clear sign of diminished confidence and a lack of service. Hart's comments come amid growing scrutiny of Liverpool's attacking output.

The Tactical Context: A Striker Out of Position

Isak, known for his explosive runs in behind and predatory instincts in the box, has been increasingly spotted in midfield areas, collecting the ball deep. Hart argues this is not a tactical instruction but a consequence of the striker not receiving adequate service. When a forward constantly retreats, it disrupts the team's attacking structure, leaving Liverpool without a focal point in the final third.

Manager Arne Slot's system relies on a traditional number nine to stretch defences and create space for the wide attackers. Isak's deep positioning compresses the play, making Liverpool more predictable in possession. Defenders can push up, safe in the knowledge that there is no threat behind them.

Impact on Liverpool's Form and Title Aspirations

The issue extends beyond Isak's individual performance. Liverpool's recent form has been underwhelming, with draws against Forest and Bournemouth highlighting a lack of cutting edge. If Isak is not occupying defenders, the creative burden falls on the midfield, which has struggled to breach deep blocks.

Statistics from the season show Liverpool have won only four of their last seven matches, with Isak scoring just twice in his last six outings. His expected goals (xG) per 90 has dropped significantly, underlining his reduced presence in danger areas. For a club with title ambitions, this is a concerning trend.

Fantasy Premier League: Isak Ownership Plummets

FPL managers have taken notice. Isak's ownership has fallen from 18% to 11% as his price remains static at £8.9m. With Liverpool facing a tough run of fixtures, including matches against Arsenal and Chelsea, many are shipping him out. However, if Slot can address the service issue, Isak remains a differential with huge upside.

Historical Precedents and Managerial Solutions

This situation echoes the struggles of other marquee strikers in recent years. For instance, Timo Werner at Chelsea often dropped deep to compensate for a lack of supply, diminishing his impact. The remedy lies in the manager's tactical tweaks. Slot may need to instruct his midfielders to play more direct passes into Isak, or instruct the striker to hold his position higher up the pitch even if the ball doesn't reach him.

Alternatively, Liverpool could deploy a second forward or a more advanced attacking midfielder to link play, allowing Isak to stay forward. The club's investment in the Swede—a club-record fee—demands a solution. With a fully fit squad, the creative options are there, but the tactical approach must change.

What's Next for Liverpool and Isak?

Liverpool travel to Southampton next weekend, a match where they will dominate possession. The onus will be on Slot to unleash Isak closer to goal. If the striker continues to drop deep, questions about his long-term fit will intensify. For Liverpool, the title race waits for no one: a failure to resolve this issue could see them fall further behind the leaders.

Filed under: Player News | LA Premier League Home