Alexander Isak's outstanding goal for Sweden in Monday night's 3-1 friendly defeat by Norway in Oslo marked a welcome return to form for the 26-year-old.
What happened?
Isak collected possession just inside the Norway half, towards the left flank, before bobbing and weaving his way into the penalty area, and two stepovers later had switched the ball on to his right foot and looped a delightful dipping effort into the top corner.
The Premier League's most expensive player of all time scored just four goals and did not feature across four months of the campaign, following his protracted £125m move from Newcastle United last September.
Why it matters for Alexander Isak
One of the many reasons why Isak pushed so hard to leave Newcastle was because he was hellbent on winning the biggest prizes in the game, and Liverpool had been widely considered to be favourites for another title after landing Isak.
However, Arne Slot's sacking at the end of the 2025-26 campaign spoke volumes about what proved to be Liverpool's underwhelming trophy defence, finishing 25 points behind champions Arsenal, in a disappointing fifth place.
What comes next?
It will now fall to a new manager to get the striker firing again, with Liverpool having begun formal talks with former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, and those at the club firmly believing 2025-26 was a freak campaign for Isak.
Isak suffered a severe fractured ankle and fibula in December and, by the latter stages of the season, Liverpool were unwilling to risk him whenever he picked up minor concerns, but they are confident that once he is fit, the Sweden international will deliver.
In the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris St-Germain at Anfield, for example, Isak managed just five touches in 45 minutes, and he requires players around him to create more, but he also needs to get involved more in games.
Newcastle certainly did not want to lose Isak, but having initially held firm, as Isak trained away from the rest of his team-mates, the club ultimately buckled and sold the striker, who is well aware of the expectation on him leading into the World Cup and next season.
And with his outstanding goal for Sweden, Isak has shown that he is capable of producing moments of magic, and Liverpool will be hoping that he can replicate this form for the club next season.
Isak's goal for Sweden was a reminder of his quality, and he will be looking to build on this performance as he prepares for the new season with Liverpool, who will be looking to improve on their disappointing fifth-place finish in the Premier League