Liverpool secured a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in a thrilling Premier League clash over the weekend, thanks to a last-minute penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer expressed his belief that Alexander Isak should have taken the critical penalty instead of Szoboszlai. The 26-year-old striker faced significant hostility from the home crowd upon his return to Newcastle, and Shearer felt this was the moment for Isak to assert his presence.

Shearer stated (h/t Liverpool Echo):
“I wanted him to go and take it. I was thinking ‘Come on, you’ve been absolutely battered. Let's see what you’ve got. Go and grab the ball and take the penalty.'”

Isak's tenure at Liverpool has been challenging, marred by injuries last season. Since joining, he has netted only four goals across all competitions, falling short of expectations after a club-record transfer fee. Despite his struggles, Shearer believes Isak possesses the talent to reclaim his best form, recalling his impressive performances during his time at Newcastle.

In retrospect, Liverpool's choice to let Szoboszlai take the penalty appears prudent. The immense pressure on Isak could have negatively impacted his confidence, while Szoboszlai has proven to be a reliable performer, particularly in high-stakes situations. Ultimately, Liverpool needed to secure the draw against Newcastle, making the decision to trust Szoboszlai a strategic one.