Alexander Isak left Liverpool boss Arne Slot “positively” with his fitness level when he finally made his debut after his record-breaking transfer in the summer.
The striker had hardly seen the field this season after he refused to play for Newcastle United to force a move to Anfield.
Isak got his wish on Deadline Day and went to a British record of £ 125 million, which could rise to £ 130 million in potential add-ons, but arrived without match fitness after missing the in advance and the first three matches of the new Premier League campaign.
The 25-year-old only played 20 minutes before Sweden about the international before he was omitted from the MatchDay team for the 1-0 victory of the Reds on Burnley on the weekend.
Slot handed Isak his first start for the club against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and although he did not score or assisted, he looked sharper than expected before he was immersed in the 58th minute of their 3-2 victory.
Asked if he was surprised by the attacker’s display, Slot said: “Especially since I think he played in the 60 minutes, he seemed to be pretty fit – so it was not as if he was already very tired after 10 minutes.
“He could just play pretty well at this level, so that was the most positive thing – and that he can play football, and that he is a pleasure to watch. That is no surprise to me, but he might have been fitter than I expected.
“I was positively surprised how fit he was. I was not surprised by the quality, but it is always nice to see when a player starts how he started. It was a good start but only 60 minutes.”
Slot was not sure if Isak would start at home against Everton this Saturday, but added: “You can tell David (Moyes) that he is not going to play for 90 minutes.
“I am really happy that he could start today. That’s why we didn’t play him against Burnley. He was good today and when Hugo (Ekitike) came in, he was also a big factor.
“We have two great no. 9s and we will use them, both, they are here during the entire period.”
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