'Liverpool are going to need him back to his best'

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On the corresponding weekend last season, Alexander Isak scored for Newcastle United in a win that relegated Ipswich Town.

It was his 26th goal of a successful season that would help propel Eddie Howe's side into the Champions League.

He ended the campaign with 27, and a little over three months later joined Liverpool.

"I want to create history," said Isak, after an acrimonious move before which he had trained away from Newcastle's first-team squad.

"I want to win trophies. This is the perfect place for me to grow even further and take my game to the next level."

Yet that dream move has turned into something of a nightmare for both player and club.

Isak suffered a serious ankle injury in December that included a fractured fibula.

Prior to that he had been starting in place of Hugo Ekitike, who many fans thought deserved to be selected. There were suggestions Liverpool were struggling to fit Isak into their system.

Four months later, he is still a shadow of the player he was last season and has still to complete a full 90 minutes in a Liverpool shirt.

Against Crystal Palace, he had 18 touches and registered one attempt, from which he scored, before being replaced by Ryan Gravenberch in the 79th minute.