Liverpool striker Alexander Isak finally played his first full 90 minutes of the season on Friday, but was booed off with the rest of his Sweden teammates after a nightmare performance saw him touch the ball just 31 times in a 2–0 defeat to Switzerland.
The £125 million ($166.7 million) summer signing has been eased into action this campaign after missing pre-season with Newcastle United as part of his push to seal a switch to Anfield.
Isak has made six appearances for Liverpool to date but has played just over 300 minutes in total, with manager Arne Slot warning Reds fans they would have to be patient while he worked his way back to full fitness.
Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson deemed Isak to be good to go for the start of his country’s latest World Cup qualifier, but things did not go at all plan as Switzerland cruised to victory thanks to goals from Granit Xhaka, from the penalty spot, and teenager Johan Manzambi.
During his 90 minutes on the pitch, Isak managed just one shot—off target—as Sweden sank to the bottom of their World Cup qualification group with just one point from their first three games. His total of 31 touches was the lowest of any outfield player to complete the game.
Isak was by no means the only target of Sweden’s frustrations. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres, who lined up alongside him for the full 90, only had two off-target efforts of his own and narrowly bettered Isak’s touch tally with 33.
