Judge him now!’ – Arne Slot claims Alexander Isak is fully fit after lack of pre-season as £125m striker searches for first Premier League goal for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has sent a powerful message to both fans and critics: it’s time to judge Alexander Isak now. After weeks of patient build-up and cautious management, the Dutch coach has confirmed that the club’s £125 million striker is finally fully fit and ready to fire. For Liverpool supporters who have been waiting eagerly to see the Swedish forward at his ruthless best, Slot’s words couldn’t have come at a better time. With a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United at Anfield just days away, the timing feels perfect for Isak to show exactly why Liverpool broke their transfer record to sign him from Newcastle United.

The journey so far has been anything but smooth. Isak’s transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool was one of the most dramatic sagas of the summer. Determined to push through his dream move to Anfield, the 26-year-old refused to join Newcastle’s pre-season tour, a decision that caused tensions to rise and headlines to explode. When the deal finally went through, Isak arrived at Liverpool short of match sharpness, physically behind his teammates, and mentally adjusting to the intense demands of a new club with a very different system.

In those first few weeks, patience became the key word. Slot made it clear that Isak would not be rushed into action. The manager wanted to rebuild the forward’s conditioning properly and avoid any early muscle injuries that could derail his start. The result was a slow, methodical introduction. His first few matches were quiet, even frustrating for fans who remembered the electric striker who scored goals for fun at St. James’ Park. His only goal so far came in Liverpool’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton — a simple finish, but an important one for confidence. Beyond that, Isak has shown flashes of brilliance — clever link-up play, sharp movement — but not yet the lethal finishing Liverpool hoped for.

Now, according to Slot, that is about to change. Speaking to reporters on Friday, the Dutch manager revealed that Isak has finally completed what he called a “five-to-six-week pre-season”, making him ready to be judged fairly for the first time as a Liverpool player. “Now he has had his five, six weeks of pre-season which is normal for every player, especially if you have been out for three or four months,” Slot said confidently. “Fitness-wise he is close to the level he should be, and we can judge him in a fair way from now on.”

Those words carry weight. Liverpool’s attacking system demands more than just finishing ability — it requires pressing, timing, and tactical intelligence. Without full fitness, even the best forwards can look ordinary. Slot understands that, and his decision to protect Isak’s recovery was part of a long-term plan. Now that the physical work is done, the expectation is clear: it’s time for goals. “I know how this industry works,” Slot added. “If he plays for Sweden twice and doesn’t score, that’s not what people want to see. But now his pre-season has finished, he has played games of 70, 80, 90 minutes, so let’s see where he is in the upcoming weeks.”

It’s a fair point. During the recent international break, Isak played for Sweden but failed to find the net in losses against Switzerland and Kosovo, adding more pressure on his shoulders. Fans back home and in Liverpool began to worry if the club’s record signing would ever explode into life. But Slot insists the issue has never been about ability — only fitness and rhythm. With both now restored, the coach believes the best version of Isak will finally emerge.

Slot’s confidence is infectious. The Dutchman’s calm tone has done much to cool early-season nerves. Liverpool fans know the Premier League is unforgiving, and big-money signings often face immense scrutiny from the start. But there’s a growing sense that Isak’s breakthrough is near. His movement in recent games has improved, his link-up with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo looks sharper, and his understanding of Slot’s system is deepening with every match.

Still, not everyone shares Slot’s optimism. Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail offered a more cautious assessment, warning that Isak’s road to full match sharpness could take longer than expected. “The road to full fitness is a little bit longer than expected,” Steele said. “There’s a report from one of the Newcastle guys saying they expect it to be three months until he’s fully fit — and that is probably about right. He’s been at Liverpool for four or five weeks, so maybe we’re another three or four weeks away from seeing Isak at his best.” Steele added that while there have been glimpses — including a well-taken assist last weekend and his cup goal — the consistency will only come with time and rhythm.

That’s the great debate now surrounding Isak. On one hand, Slot insists he’s ready. On the other, some believe the Swede still needs more time to hit full stride. But in football, time is a luxury few players get — especially at Liverpool. The fixtures are relentless, and the expectations are sky-high. Fans don’t just want Isak to score — they need him to deliver as the focal point of Slot’s new attacking system.

The good news for Liverpool is that Isak isn’t the only player returning to full fitness. Slot confirmed that both Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate have recovered from their respective knocks and will be available for the clash against Manchester United. Gravenberch had been withdrawn from the Netherlands squad due to hamstring tightness, while Konate missed France’s games with a minor quad issue. “Ryan is completely fit,” Slot said. “We are in a good place with the Dutch national team if Ronald Koeman can play Tijjani Reijnders or Ryan Gravenberch, so he played them both 45 minutes. Ibou has come back to us, started the sessions again, and is expected to train with us today.

These returns couldn’t have come at a better time. Sunday’s match against United isn’t just another league fixture — it’s one of the biggest games in world football. The rivalry, the history, and the stakes make it a battle that defines seasons. Liverpool are determined to make a statement, and Slot knows that having key players available will make all the difference. With Konate back, the defence gains stability. With Gravenberch fit, the midfield regains its drive and creativity. And with Isak ready to lead the line, the attack looks complete again.

But there’s no room for error. Liverpool’s upcoming schedule is brutal. After the United game, they face Eintracht Frankfurt in Europe, followed by Premier League matches against Brentford, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and then a massive Champions League tie against Real Madrid in early November. These are the weeks that can make or break their season. Slot understands that he needs every player in top shape — especially his record signing. That’s why he has managed Isak’s fitness so carefully. The Dutch coach’s goal is not just to have Isak score once or twice but to have him firing consistently across all competitions.

Behind the scenes, those close to Isak describe a player desperate to prove himself. He knows the expectations that come with his price tag, and he’s aware that comparisons to his time at Newcastle will never stop until he starts delivering for Liverpool. But those who have watched him train say the hunger is back. His confidence in front of goal is improving, and his chemistry with the team is beginning to click.

For Slot, the message is clear: patience has brought them here, but now it’s time for productivity. “Judge him now,” he said — a challenge not just to the fans but also to Isak himself. It’s a line that feels almost symbolic. The manager believes that the striker’s transformation is complete, that the excuses are over, and that the spotlight is now fully deserved.

The next few weeks will reveal whether Slot’s faith was justified. If Isak starts scoring regularly, this period of careful management will be praised as a masterstroke. If not, the questions will only grow louder. But Slot has never been one to shy away from pressure. His calm authority and tactical intelligence have already started shaping Liverpool into a more balanced side. And if Isak begins to deliver, that evolution will accelerate dramatically.

One thing is certain: Liverpool’s supporters will give Isak every chance to succeed. Anfield has always been a place where players can reinvent themselves. Many stars have arrived under pressure and found their rhythm under the lights of that historic ground. For Isak, the stage is set. The fans are waiting. The fitness is there. And the manager’s words have drawn a clear line in the sand.

When Liverpool walk out against Manchester United, all eyes will be on number 14 — the £125 million man tasked with leading the line. His time for excuses is over. His time to make history begins now. For Arne Slot and Liverpool, this could be the moment their record signing finally roars into life.