Jan Molby: My view on Isak, Guehi, Konaté, Wirtz and Burnley vs Liverpool

Liverpool’s squad questions and what to expect at Turf Moor

Isak has everything to take us to the next level

There’s no question Alexander Isak is a top player. He’s shown that already in the Premier League, and that’s the biggest box ticked for me. We’ve had our own issues trying to deal with him over the past couple of seasons. His goals against us at St James’ Park and Wembley, even the one that was disallowed at Anfield, all speak for themselves. He’s got quick feet, clever movement, and scores goals. That makes him a proper striker, not just a good footballer.

What surprised me a bit is his assist record. He ended last season with only six, and I expected more because he links play really well. His temperament is sound too. He doesn’t get frustrated and he doesn’t go missing. I actually think he’ll do better at Liverpool in that regard. I wouldn’t be shocked if he finishes with more assists than he’s ever managed before.

What’s important now is how we integrate him. I know some people are asking if it’s a game-changer for the squad. I think it can be. But it gives Arne Slot a proper headache in terms of how to fit everyone in. We’ve spent big money on three attackers this summer. Liverpool didn’t bring in Ekitike, Isak and Wirtz to sit on the bench.

The reality is that Isak will get minutes here and there to begin with. I don’t think he starts against Burnley, and I can’t see him starting against Everton either. But I think Palace is a possibility. Maybe he plays an hour there, gets a run in the League Cup against Southampton, and we build him up that way. I’m convinced the goal is to have him ready to start away to Chelsea in early October. That feels like the big one the club are working towards.

The situation around Sweden was strange. I said it at the time, and I’ll say it again. If it was me, I would’ve preferred to stay in Liverpool and settle in. I’d want to be around my new teammates, get used to my new house, work with the coaches, and get familiar with the city. Instead, he was away with Sweden, sat on the bench in the first game, came on late in the second, and ended up getting criticised by fans in both Newcastle and Sweden. For what? It made no sense to me. He would never say it publicly, but I’d be very surprised if he didn’t prefer to have stayed behind at AXA and got stuck in.

Guehi deal collapse is a blow, but not the end

Missing out on Marc Guehi was a big disappointment. At the time, I saw it as a blow. It only becomes a disaster if Joe Gomez gets injured. And we know there’s always a chance with Joe, because his injury record is what it is. I don’t think there’s any doubt about his talent. In fact, when he played against Arsenal, I thought he looked the part again. Really impressive cameo.