Michael Owen at odds with Pep Guardiola as Alexander Isak makes Liverpool debut

Michael Owen has thrown his support behind Arne Slot and Alexander Isak, predicting success for the pair at Liverpool. The £125million signing from Newcastle, a British record, is set to make his debut for the Reds in tonight's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, after missing out on Sunday's victory over Burnley.

Liverpool had to rely on a last-minute penalty to secure a win against the newly-promoted side, with Isak's absence clearly felt as Slot's team struggled to penetrate Burnley's defence until Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot. Isak, 25, has been hailed as one of the world's top strikers following his impressive form at Newcastle, a sentiment echoed by his new manager.

However, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola challenged Slot's assertion that the most expensive player in British football could be "maybe the best striker in the world," arguing that his own star player, Erling Haaland, is "a little bit above."

Guardiola added: "Isak is an exceptional player [but] you asked me about Erling and he is top. Isak must be a top player because of what they paid."

Despite this, Owen stands by Slot's faith in his new striker, asserting that the summer-long transfer saga surrounding Isak won't hinder him from making an immediate impact.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Star Sport, via BetSelect, Owen stated: "I don't think so [the transfer saga will weigh heavily]. He's obviously got his dream move, one that he will think he was justified.

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"I think Isak will hit the ground running. He's in a successful team, a team that is winning games, creating chances. It's not like he's come from a new league. He's used to the Premier League. He knows everything about it.

"So there is no reason why, apart from getting to know his new fellow players, there's no real reason why he won't be an immediate success."

Owen went on to support Isak's potential to deliver the desired impact at Anfield, stating: "He'll have a huge impact. You don't pay 125 million for somebody not to have an impact. Who else is out there that's better in that position?

"Liverpool have probably got the best goalkeeper in the world. They've probably got the best centre-half in the world. They've probably got the best right-sided attacker in the world. And arguably, they've now got the best centre-forward in the world.

"And to have the best you can get in four or five positions in a team, just makes you incredibly strong. And that's what Liverpool have gone and done."

Isak is expected to feature in the Liverpool squad for Wednesday opening European clash against Atletico at Anfield, having been named in the starting line-up ahead of Hugo Ekitike.