Van Dijk backs Liverpool teammate for success despite slow start

Liverpool, England, 25th April 2026. Alexander Isak

Van Dijk insight carries weight

When van Dijk speaks, it tends to carry authority forged through elite experience. This is not blind optimism. He has faced Isak at his sharpest, when the forward was slicing through Premier League defences with pace, movement and an almost languid composure in front of goal.

That version of Isak has not been consistently visible in Liverpool colours yet, but van Dijk’s confidence suggests it remains intact beneath the surface. His assessment is rooted in exposure to the player’s training standards, work ethic and technical ability. These are indicators often hidden from the public eye but critical in shaping long-term judgement.

The goal against Palace did not transform Isak overnight, but it altered the conversation. For a striker, scoring is often less about statistics and more about rhythm. Once that first barrier is broken, the game can begin to flow again.

Shift in attacking hierarchy next season

Liverpool’s attacking structure is also poised to evolve. With Mohamed Salah no longer the central figure he once was, responsibility is expected to tilt towards Isak. Opportunity and expectation will align in a way they have not yet this season.

There is also a practical dimension. Injuries elsewhere in the forward line mean Isak is likely to enter the next campaign as the primary option. That clarity can be invaluable. Strikers thrive on continuity, on knowing that a missed chance will not necessarily cost them their place.

The Premier League has already seen what Isak can produce over a sustained period. His previous performances in England demonstrated a player capable of dictating matches with intelligence and precision rather than sheer force. Liverpool are not investing in potential alone. They are banking on a proven profile rediscovering its peak.

Evidence suggests resurgence ahead

History is littered with forwards who required a settling period before exploding into form. Adjustment to a new system, new expectations and the physical demands of a different environment can take time, even for established talents.

Isak’s underlying qualities remain unchanged. His movement between defensive lines, his ability to drift into pockets of space and his composure under pressure are attributes that do not simply disappear. What has been missing is continuity.

The Palace goal may be remembered as the moment that continuity began. It was not spectacular, but it was decisive, and often that is what matters most.

As noted in the original source from Rousing The Kop, this is not a player learning how to cope with the Premier League. It is a player who has already shown he can dominate it. Van Dijk’s backing reflects that reality.

If Liverpool can provide Isak with stability and service, the expectation is not merely improvement but impact. The final weeks of this season could yet offer a preview. Next season may deliver the full picture.