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Alexander Isak has opened his account for the season for Liverpool, but Joe Hart feels his team-mates at Anfield still do not fully trust the £125 million striker. Although he scored in a frustrating 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, the Sweden international largely appeared isolated in Andoni Iraola’s system.

Stuttering start to life at Anfield

The Sweden international arrived at Liverpool from Newcastle United last summer in a blockbuster £125 million move. But his first season at Anfield was badly disrupted by injuries, limiting the forward to only four goals across the whole campaign.

Isak scored his first goal of the current season in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest. Even though he got on the scoresheet, the forward looked out of sync with the rest of the side. Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart believes Liverpool’s present tactical structure under Iraola is leaving the striker completely isolated.

Hart points to missing link-up

Speaking to BBC Sport, Hart highlighted a clear difference between Isak’s productive spell at Newcastle and his present difficulties on Merseyside. The pundit said the striker was the main focal point at St James’ Park, where the midfielders instinctively understood his movement and played with total trust in him.

“It is clear that Liverpool haven't worked out how to play with Alexander Isak yet,” Hart said. “At Newcastle everything flowed through him.

“That was down to a trust thing that they had built up over time - their midfield knew exactly where he was and they didn't even need to look up as he'd be there waiting.

“At Liverpool that trust just isn't there at the moment. No-one is feeling it and he isn't that central point, which is leading to him looking lost and isolated.”

Hart also issued a direct warning to Iraola over the huge investment. He urged the manager either to shape his attacking system around the Swede or come up with another tactical solution. He added: “Andoni Iraola has some big decisions to make. Does he base his team round him [Isak] or does he try to find a different solution within his squad? In my opinion he's got to commit to what the club have done by investing so heavily in Isak.

“There's no point signing these players if you aren't going to use them properly and play to their strengths. There's no doubting Isak's quality - they are just at a bit of a crossroads at the moment.”

Isak stays positive despite struggles

In spite of the criticism, Isak remains upbeat. Looking back on the frustrating draw with Forest, the forward praised his side’s fighting spirit and determination not to give up. However, he admitted they started the match poorly and criticised their tendency to concede soon after building momentum by scoring.

Reflecting on the draw with Forest, Isak said: “I think there's no problem in fighting spirit and never giving up. I think we showed that last week as well. Obviously we started the game pretty bad today as well. When we gained momentum by scoring a goal, that's where we need to be better, I think, because again today we conceded quite quickly after that.”

Crucial weeks ahead for Isak

Iraola now has to decide quickly whether to fully integrate Isak as the undisputed focal point of his attack or adjust his tactical approach to better suit the wider strengths of the squad. Unlocking the Sweden forward’s real potential will be crucial if Liverpool are to turn frustrating draws into important wins.

The Reds’ developing system will be tested immediately in the days ahead. Liverpool face Ipswich on Friday before returning to Anfield to begin their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid.