Liverpool’s blockbuster $169 million (£125 million) signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United this summer has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike. The Swedish striker, who lit up the Premier League last season with 23 goals for Newcastle, was expected to bolster Liverpool’s attacking prowess. However, former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has stirred the conversation by claiming that Manchester City’s Erling Haaland remains the superior striker.
Haaland’s Dominance vs. Isak’s Adjustment
Erling Haaland, signed by Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund for a comparatively modest $114 million (including agent fees), has taken the Premier League by storm. With nine goals already this season, including a match-winner against Brentford, Haaland’s lethal finishing and physical presence have made him a formidable force. Johnson, speaking to 10bet, didn’t hesitate to back the Norwegian star.
“If I had to choose between Isak and Haaland right now, I’d want Haaland in my side,” Johnson said. “Haaland is a beast, and he can do everything. He’s so talented and dangerous. Of course, Isak is obviously a great player too and he showed what he could do last season at Newcastle. You wouldn’t mind playing with either of them! But if there was a game tomorrow, I’d be going with Haaland.”
Isak, on the other hand, has struggled to hit the ground running at Anfield. The 25-year-old, who outscored Haaland in the Premier League last season (trailing only Mohamed Salah), has yet to replicate his Newcastle form. Speaking after a recent match against Chelsea, Isak acknowledged his ongoing adaptation: “I feel good. I’ve been working hard to get back to my best, and I’m still working to get to my best form. It was good to play out there again. I was hoping for a different result, but we’ll keep working.”
Can Isak Catch Haaland?
Despite Isak’s slow start, Johnson remains optimistic about the Swede’s potential to challenge Haaland in the goal-scoring charts. “I think Alexander Isak has a big chance to score as many as Erling Haaland, at least over the remainder of the season,” Johnson added. “Manchester City are nowhere near the standard they used to be, and Liverpool are going to be winning most weeks. I think Isak’s going to get endless amounts of chances to convert.”
Liverpool’s attacking setup, with its dynamic wingers and creative midfield, could indeed provide Isak with the service needed to rack up goals. Johnson believes that if Isak can rediscover the form that saw him score “bundles” for Newcastle, he could even outscore Haaland from this point in the season.
The Bigger Picture
The comparison between Haaland and Isak highlights the Premier League’s wealth of striking talent among its title contenders. While Haaland’s raw power and clinical finishing have set a high bar, Isak’s versatility and proven goal-scoring ability make him a long-term asset for Liverpool. The $169 million price tag, however, brings immense pressure to deliver immediately.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Isak to justify his hefty transfer fee and prove he can match, or even surpass, Haaland’s output. For now, Johnson’s verdict leans toward the “beast” in Manchester City’s ranks, but Isak’s potential to turn the tide could make this a rivalry to watch.