Newcastle United fans are joking that Alexander Isak is already missing Jacob Murphy after the striker finally made his Liverpool debut on Wednesday night.
For the first time since Isak’s British record move from Newcastle United to Liverpool, the Sweden international played for the Reds.
Isak hasn’t appeared in club competition since the final day of the 2024/25 Premier League season, having made himself unavailable for Newcastle United throughout pre-season and the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
While Liverpool dramatically beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in the Champions League at Anfield, little of note happened to the Sweden striker himself.
He lasted less than an hour and Newcastle fans are joking that he’s just not the same player without Jacob Murphy.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Newcastle United fans think Alexander Isak will miss Jacob Murphy
Murphy and Isak struck up a brilliant partnership at Newcastle, combining for 13 goals in 85 games together.
With Isak reasonably quiet against Atletico, Toon fans on social media were all making the same joke, particularly after Mohamed Salah went for a shot rather than passing to his new teammate.
One supporter wrote: “He’ll not be happy at Liverpool as their players are a lot more selfish than Murphy, who gifted Isak so much.”
“Won’t be a fox in the box when he has Salah on the right, Murphy put most of his goals behind on a plate! Isak struggles this year,” said one fan.
Another added: “Isak’s missing Murphy.”
One said: “Isak without Jacob Murphy will be remembered for years to come…”
How Alexander Isak played for Liverpool on his debut
As per FotMob data, Isak found the mark with one of his attempted shots, lost three of his six ground duels and both of his aerial duels.
The 25-year-old completed just one of his three dribbles but did manage to create a chance and make three defensive contributions.
| Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid statistics | Alexander Isak |
| Minutes played | 58 |
| Touches | 25 |
| Shots | 2 |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 3/6 |
| Aerial duels won | 0/2 |
It obviously wasn’t a nightmare debut but perhaps not one to remember considering all of the drama that has taken us to this point.
Indeed, Newcastle didn’t think Isak would be fully fit until October given his lack of action, so Liverpool fans may have a wait on their hands to see the absolute best of him.
At some point, however, you’d have to imagine he’ll click into gear alongside his new teammates.
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