Alexander Isak has come under heavy fire after being branded a “national disgrace” following Sweden’s 2-0 defeat to Switzerland on Friday night. The £125 million Liverpool striker, still trying to regain full fitness after his late move from Newcastle, played the full 90 minutes in the World Cup qualifier but failed to make an impact.
Since joining the Reds, the 26-year-old has managed just one goal in six appearances, and his struggles now appear to be affecting his international form as well. Despite Viktor Gyökeres also starting for Sweden, Isak is being singled out as a major reason behind the team’s poor campaign, with Sweden now bottom of Group B on just one point from three matches — eight adrift of leaders Switzerland. Kosovo, sitting second with four points, will visit Stockholm on Monday, October 13.
Many believe Isak’s off-field choices have contributed to Sweden’s downfall. His summer strike to force through a £300,000-per-week Liverpool move — which saw him miss most of pre-season — is being blamed for his sluggish performances. After reaching the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals but missing out entirely in 2022, Sweden are now facing another qualification disaster.
Against Switzerland, Isak’s stats made grim reading: one off-target shot, one big chance missed, 12 completed passes from 16 attempts, and only one duel won out of seven. Frustrated fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their anger, with one writing:
All jokes aside, Alexander Isak genuinely let his country down tonight. Sweden could miss out on the World Cup because of an unfit, out-of-form striker who’s offering nothing due to his own actions.”
Rated just 5.8/10 by Flashscore — the joint-lowest on the pitch — Isak was also slammed by The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson, who tweeted:
“Wonder how the Swedes feel about Isak’s decision to go on strike and reduce his ability to help in these key matches. Bottom of the group. Still, he got what he wanted…”
Another fan added:
“This guy has single-handedly ruined his country’s World Cup hopes through selfish behaviour. The Swedes should see him as a national disgrace.”
To make matters worse for Isak, his Liverpool teammate and rival Hugo Ekitike stole the headlines with a standout display on his full debut for France the same night. One user summed up the general sentiment bluntly:
“A £130 million player should be able to change a game on his own. Fair play, Isak — you did. For Switzerland.”
