Owen previously stated on talkSPORT that it would take time for Isak to return to his best form. He later gave an interview to an English media outlet, in which he said that Isak could become a key player for Liverpool this season.

The Liverpool star is tipped for a breakout season under Iraola and to rediscover the form that prompted Liverpool to pay such an astonishing transfer fee, Michael Owen exclusively revealed.

Former Liverpool player Michael Owen hopes Liverpool will see the best of Isak this season.

Liverpool star Isak is expected to have a big year for Liverpool this season and rediscover the form that led the club to splash out a British record £12.5 million transfer fee. Michael Owen exclusively revealed, which also seems to indicate a shift in his attitude.

Last summer, Isak joined Anfield after a lengthy transfer saga. Newcastle finally relented, allowing the 26-year-old to leave for the eye-watering fee.

But the prolonged transfer delay ultimately took a severe toll on Isak. He arrived at Liverpool only half-fit and without a full and targeted pre-season preparation. Doubts about his massive transfer fee mounted, adding pressure on the 62-cap international.

In December, Isak suffered a fibula fracture, forcing him to the sidelines shortly before Christmas, just weeks after joining Liverpool, and missing 106 days. Concerns began to arise that Liverpool had not got their money's worth.

As a result, Isak began this season under immense pressure to prove himself. Owen also warned the striker that he was "running out of excuses" and had to prove he was worth not only the hefty transfer fee but also the trust Liverpool had placed in him.

Owen said on talkSPORT on August 25: "I've had a lot of injuries in my career, so I know how hard it is to recover, and it does take a bit of time.

"Everyone has given him time and understands that.

"But then he pretty much finished that season, went to the World Cup, and then had a pre-season, and you think: 'Okay, now we're running out of excuses.'

"We need to start seeing the real Isak. We all know how good he is – wow, we saw him at Newcastle, he's absolutely a top player.

"But we haven't seen that at Liverpool yet, and I think now the questions will start coming thick and fast."

Since Owen made those comments, which drew some criticism, Isak scored three goals in the next two games, but then failed to score in the subsequent two matches against Atletico Madrid and Fulham.

Nevertheless, Owen still believes that under new manager Iraola, Isak could have a very strong season. This statement is completely contrary to his previous view.

"Isaac has started the season well," Owen said in the interview.

"Isak has scored a few goals now, and he looks in good form; I think he's going to go on and have a really good season and score a lot of goals.

"As a striker, especially one who plays the way Isak does, I know very well that it takes time to get back to your best level after an injury...

"Isak also went through the World Cup, but he looks very good so far this season; I really like him, and he's absolutely capable of being a very important player for the team this season."

While Iraola is still searching for Anfield's strongest lineup, one observer explained why another expensive star must be immediately removed from the starting XI and another player promoted to his position.

Liverpool's next match will be on Tuesday evening, as they face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup third round. Whether Isak starts is still debatable, but Iraola has at least confirmed one starter and revealed that another long-term injured player might return for the match.

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