Ian Rush makes Alexander Isak prediction as Liverpool record signing nears return

Isak

Ian Rush can't wait for Alexander Isak to return from injury as he predicted Liverpool's club-record signing will soon justify the big price tag.

Isak has endured a frustrating start to life on Merseyside since he joined the Reds for £125m from Newcastle United in the summer

The 26-year-old scored just three goals before he broke his leg while putting Liverpool ahead against Tottenham Hotspur back in December.

That finish at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium showed glimmers of the lethal form that prompted the Reds to pursue the Swedish international so heavily in the summer.

Arne Slot issued an update on Isak's recovery in his press conference yesterday (March 13) with the head coach expecting the No.9 to return to full fitness early next month.

And Isak has the backing of the club's greatest ever goalscorer.

Rush told the ECHO that he believes it is only a matter of time before the former Newcastle frontman shows the sort of form that made him one of the most feared forwards in Europe.

The 64-year-old said: "You don't see proper No.9s now, do you? You've got [Erling] Haaland, [Harry] Kane and you've got Isak. I can't wait for him to get back because he's in my sort of position. I like to see a proper No.9 and hopefully we'll see him soon."

While Isak has had a stop-start time in a red shirt so far, his fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike has been a revelation and has already established himself as a big fan favourite.

The Frenchman is Liverpool's highest goalscorer this season and it has led to a debate about whether him and Isak can fit into the same front three.

However, Rush is confident the balance will work with Ekitike also being able to be effective from the left.

Rush said: "With Isak it was a bit difficult because he missed pre season. He's a No.9.

“All you have to do to the manager is show them what you can do do on the pitch and they can't leave you out. If they're both performing, then they can both start in the same side."

Rush was in attendance as part of a surprise visit to greet fans buying the 1995/96 away kit, which has been released as part of adidas' Bringback collection.

The shirt is an emotional one for Rush as it was the final one he wore as a player for Liverpool in the 1996 FA Cup final.

Rush said: "Unfortunately, we lost that game, but there's still many good memories. It's always sad when you do leave Liverpool.

“I left them in good hands: Robbie Fowler, Stan Collymore, Steve McManaman. We had some great players and I knew they'd go on to better things."

Rush is thrilled to be back in his role as club ambassador and interacting with fans after he suffered a health scare last year.

The Welshman contracted super flu and collapsed at his home before he was taken to hospital.

Promoted link

WOW what a deal. 🔥 eufy Security Camera eufyCam E40 2-Cam Kit - https://amzn.to/4ryh2oH