Liverpool legend Emile Heskey discussed Alexander Isak, Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool. Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Arsenal, after a one-nil defeat by Arsenal was followed by a three-two loss to Fenerbahce.
Isak concentrating on goals
Isak has scored six goals in eight Premier League appearances. Heskey said: “I think he’s got the ability to do both. But at this moment in time, he’s finding his footing again by concentrating on scoring goals, basically.”
Asked whether Isak can continue having a low level of involvement and whether goals are all that matter, Heskey said: “I wouldn't say it gives him an edge, but it gives him a boost, and once he starts getting fully fit again, that will give him an even bigger boost because he can start to do more. You can start to get involved more.”
Opportunities for Nyoni and Ngumoha
Andoni Iraola has given Nyoni and Ngumoha opportunities in all competitions. They are 19 and 18, respectively, while Nyoni has made 12 appearances this season and scored his first Champions League goal against Fenerbahce. Ngumoha is 18, has made 13 appearances and has two assists.
Heskey said: “It's very, very important to have some younger lads coming through because, again, you need to be blooding them in. If they're good enough, they're old enough at the end of the day.”
Heskey said of Nyoni: “Look at Trey Nyoni and how he controls the play in midfield. He's playing like a 30-year-old. His experience, his know-how, everything, and he's a young lad.”
On Ngumoha, Heskey said: “Rio has done fantastic. He's putting a lot of pressure on some of the players that are senior players in his position to get ahead of them to start games and play regularly.”
Time needed for Iraola
Heskey said: “He’ll (Andoni Iraola) need a bit more time working with players who need to understand his philosophy and his style of play. In terms of working with younger players, he's done really well bringing some of them through.”
Crystal Palace fixture and away run
Liverpool play Crystal Palace on Sunday and are on a winless streak away from home.
