Alexander Isak makes 'better' claim after Newcastle exit as Liverpool star set for big step

Alexander Isak insists he is ready to play a full 90 minutes for the first time since joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day

Alexander Isak has declared himself fit to play a full 90 minutes for Sweden as he continues to build up his fitness following his move to Liverpool. The striker joined the Reds in a £125m move from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day.

However, he had endured a disjointed pre-season with the Magpies as he essentially went on strike to force through an exit. Isak did not feature for the club at all during their pre-season campaign or the start of the new Premier League season and trained on his own for the majority of the summer.

As a result, Isak has not completed a full 90 minutes since the final day of last season when Newcastle lost 1-0 to Everton on May 25.

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He made his playing return for Sweden during the last international break, immediately linking up with his country after completing his move from St. James' Park to Anfield. Featuring for 18 minutes against Kosovo, he has since made six appearances for Liverpool.

Starting three times, he boasts a goal and an assist from his outings so far with his total game time for the Reds standing at 312 minutes.

But while Isak is yet to reach peak physical condition, he insists he is ready to take the next step in his fitness plan as Sweden prepare to host Switzerland in their latest World Cup qualifier on Friday night.

“Tomorrow I'm ready for 90 minutes if needed,” he said at a pre-match press conference. “It's been a month now.

“I've had a lot more playing time and things have calmed down. I feel in a much better position now than last time.”

Isak also admitted that he wants to become a leader for Sweden as they look to bounce back from a disappointing September international break, which saw them pick up just a point from their two opening World Cup qualifiers.

“Of course you have that feeling,” he said when asked if he wants to play a decisive role for his country. “It automatically means you get a leading role.

“I'm starting to become one of the older ones. I want to be a leader and feel a responsibility, both on and off the field.

“There is pressure on us and high expectations, but that is common in football. We have the same ambitions as the Swedish people. Hopefully we can live up to the expectations.

“I hope that the people who are there believe in it and bring with them the positive energy that we will need to get that extra.

“It is important that we are all on the same track and help Sweden win.”

Meanwhile, Isak also offered his initial reflections on the start of his Liverpool career.

“Great so far,” he said. “Great team and a city where the team has a good relationship with the fans. It's been okay so far.”

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