Andoni Iraola has backed Alexander Isak to be a "very important player" for Liverpool this season.

Isak joined Liverpool for a British transfer record £125m from Newcastle United last summer, but struggled to perform for the Reds.

Fitness issues delayed his start at Anfield, while he also suffered a broken leg later in the season, restricting him to just 22 appearances.

Isak netted four times and provided one assist for Liverpool last term, but looks back to full fitness ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Liverpool start their Premier League campaign against Newcastle on Sunday; it could be Isak's first league appearance against the Magpies since leaving the club.

Iraola believes Isak can play a huge role for Liverpool this season as they look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign under Arne Slot.

"Alex is going to be a very important player for us this season," said Iraola.

"Right now, he is in a very good place; he has been training every day, he has not missed a session, he has been adding more and more minutes every friendly game.

"He played a very good World Cup in terms of availability, fitness level, and I want to keep him there as much as we can.

"We know his level and if we can keep him there he will score the goals and give us a lot of things.

"Probably my fight with him, my instructions, are more in terms of without the ball and how he can help in his position when we are with the ball so he can open spaces for other players.

"I am not trying to focus in terms of goals, but he is a striker, he will want to score, but I try not to judge the strikers if they score or if they haven't."