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

Liverpool's star striker is expected to have an outstanding season under Arne Slot and rediscover the form that justified Liverpool's significant transfer fee, Michael Owen revealed exclusively.

The former Liverpool player Michael Owen hopes that Liverpool will see the best of Isak this season.

Liverpool's star Isak is expected to have a great year and rediscover the form that led the club to spend a British record transfer fee of £82.5 million. Michael Owen revealed exclusively that these statements also seem to indicate a shift in his attitude.

Last summer, Isak arrived at Anfield following a protracted transfer saga. Newcastle finally relented, allowing the 26-year-old to leave for a substantial fee.

However, this prolonged transfer delay had a severe impact on Isak. He arrived at Liverpool only half-fit and without a complete, structured pre-season. Questions about his enormous transfer fee mounted, adding pressure on the striker who had earned 62 international caps.

In December, Isak suffered a fibula fracture and was forced to rest just before Christmas, sidelined for 106 days shortly after joining Liverpool. Concerns began to mount that Liverpool had not gotten value for their money.

Therefore, Isak began this season under immense pressure to prove his worth. Owen also warned the striker that he was "running out of excuses" and had to prove he deserved not only the enormous transfer fee but also the faith Liverpool had placed in him.

Owen said on talkSPORT on August 25: "I've had many injuries in my career, so I know how difficult it is to recover, and it takes some time.

"People gave him time and understand that.

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

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

"But we haven't seen that at Liverpool yet, and I think now the problems will start to mount."

Since Owen made these comments, which generated some criticism, Isak scored 3 goals in the next two matches, but then failed to score in the subsequent two matches against Atlético Madrid and Fulham.

However, Owen still believes Isak can perform very strongly this season under new manager Arne Slot. This statement contradicts his earlier views.

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

"Isak has scored some goals now and seems to be in good form; I think he'll have a very good season and score plenty of goals.

"As a striker, especially one who plays like Isak, I know very well that it takes time to return to your best after an injury…

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

While Slot is still settling on the strongest lineup at Anfield, an observer explained why another high-profile star should be immediately dropped from the starting XI and another long-injured player could return to his position.

Liverpool's next match is Tuesday night, when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the League Cup. Whether Isak will start remains uncertain, but Slot has at least confirmed one starter and revealed that another long-injured player may return in this fixture.

Traduzido por IA.

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