Isak says he is in 'good place' at Liverpool after Ipswich double

Alexander Isak says he feels in a good place at Liverpool.

The Sweden striker points to his relationships with manager Andoni Iraola and team-mate Cody Gakpo as key to his form this season. He made the comments in a BBC Sport video interview published on 18 September BBC Sport.

The extended conversation will be available on the BBC Football YouTube channel from 17:00 GMT on 18 September. The preview clip centres on his mood, his manager and his growing link with Gakpo.

That mood is a change from last season. Isak arrived at Anfield for a British record fee of £125m BBC Sport, a price tag that brings extra attention to every miss and every goal. His first campaign was later described as a miserable debut season at Liverpool. Iraola has since described the forward as revitalised.

The clearest evidence came at Ipswich Town. Liverpool won 2-0 on 4 September, with Isak scoring both goals Liverpool FC. Both finishes came inside the opening nine minutes Liverpool FC.

Gakpo, a Dutch forward who often plays wide and cuts inside to create, supplied both assists. An assist is the final pass that sets up a goal. Gakpo later joked that Isak now owes him a few after laying on both finishes Liverpool FC.

Straight after the Ipswich game, Isak had been cautious about the partnership. Asked about his developing relationship with Gakpo, he replied only: "Yeah, we will see" The Independent.

His message is warmer now. He says the work with Gakpo has helped him, alongside the support and guidance of Iraola.

Iraola has backed him in public throughout. Before the season he said Isak would be "very important" and was in "a very good place". After the Ipswich win he said he was happy with Isak's improvement game to game and that the striker looked strong physically.

That night at Portman Road brought another landmark for Liverpool. Bradley Barcola, a summer signing, came on as a second-half substitute to make his debut for the club Liverpool FC.

For fans, this means a familiar and happy sound. A striker in rhythm lifts the whole away end. Isak is starting to hear that noise again.