Isaac's Coach in His Youth: At 13, He Did Not Stand Out Among His Peers.

According to The Sun: Alexander Isak, who this summer became the most expensive player in Britain with a transfer value of 130 million pounds, was not always confident on the football field.

His former coach Elias Mineiri, who worked with Isak in the youth team of the Swedish club AIK Stockholm, shared this.

Isak's Early Career

Elias Mineiri first saw Isak when he was just 5 or 6 years old, while working at the AIK academy. By the age of 12-15, he became his coach.

Recalling Isak's potential, Mineiri noted:

“Looking back, I don't think he was one of the best.”

But over time, Isak's technical skills and understanding of the game improved significantly. In Mineiri's view, when Isak turned 14, his attitude towards football changed dramatically.

Change of Attitude and Success

Elias noticed a significant change in Isak's mentality:

“I just saw a great difference. It's all about the mentality he developed.”

Many other players from the youth team also reached professional level, raising competition. Mineiri believes this provided a good foundation for Isak to cope with the expectations of a player with such a high transfer value.

With warmth, Mineiri recalls how Isak was always cheerful and friendly, but became more serious about the game during his teenage years.

Chronology of Isak's Transfer to Liverpool

Chronology of Isak's Transfer

• JANUARY: First rumors about Liverpool arise
• FEBRUARY: Transfer discussed at a record 150 million
• MARCH: Isak denies rumors of a contract with Newcastle
• APRIL: Eddie Howe calls Isak “very professional”
• MAY: Howe assures that Isak will not be sold
• JUNE: Transfer rumors to Liverpool gain momentum
• JULY: Isak misses pre-season tours due to injury
• AUGUST: Liverpool tries to buy Isak for 110 million; negotiations continue
• SEPTEMBER: Isak undergoes medical examination at Liverpool on transfer window closing day; 2.5 hours after closing, Liverpool announces the signing

Mineiri emphasizes that Isak's family always supported him on his journey to success:

“They always told him: listen to your coach and learn – and then you will achieve success.”

Perhaps Isak could have competed with another talented teammate if circumstances had been different. Mineiri tried to convince Viktor Gyökeres to join AIK when he was still a teenager.

Now, a year later, they will compete again on the football field in the Premier League.

Elias confidently notes: “It's pleasant to see how Isak has succeeded.”

This moment came when Isak established himself in the starting lineup of AIK, scoring his first goal in a professional debut at 16. Since then, his career has rapidly risen, attracting the attention of clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, and later Real Sociedad and Newcastle.

Now he is ready to debut for Liverpool in a match against Burnley.

Mineiri is confident that Isak will withstand the pressure associated with his transfer value:

“I always thought he would adapt well to a new environment.”

Thus, Alexander Isak's career has shown how perseverance and support can transform a young player. The transition to Liverpool is a new milestone in his football journey, and fans are eagerly awaiting him on the field in the Premier League. How he copes with the pressure associated with a record transfer value will be a question that attracts the attention of the entire football community.