Isak Bags Just 1 Goal and 1 Assist in First 9 Liverpool Games, While Núñez Notched 3 Goals and 1 Assist in His First 9

In the 12th round of the Premier League, Liverpool lost 3-0 to Nottingham Forest at home.

Isak's performance at Liverpool has been extremely poor, so much so that the team has started to miss Darwin Núñez—highlighting the depth of concern following the Reds' 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The Swedish international "failed to register a shot on target, win any duels or tackles, or create a clear-cut chance" during his 68-minute appearance against Nottingham Forest.

Furthermore, in his first 9 games for the club, Isak has contributed only 1 goal and 1 assist. In contrast, Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez—who left for Al Hilal this summer—scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in his first 9 matches for the Reds.

This criticism reflects the widespread controversy surrounding Liverpool's club-record signing's slow start at Anfield. The former Newcastle United striker, hampered by a disrupted pre-season and a groin injury that kept him out before the last international break, is still building up his fitness through matches and is yet to complete a full 90 minutes.

Additionally, Isak has become the first player since Percy Saul in 1906 to lose all four of his first top-flight starts for Liverpool.

These statistics are not isolated: Liverpool's overall lackluster performance on the pitch has left the No. 9 increasingly isolated in attack—with the team's offense lacking rhythm, quality, and confidence. The pressure is mounting, as Arnaud Kalimuendo has been one of the few bright spots for the team so far this season.

Therefore, Slot needs to show a stronger commitment to meritocracy: starting spots should be based on form rather than transfer fees, especially since Isak is yet to prove he deserves a regular place in the lineup.