'They are missing him' - Rafael Benitez reveals former club Newcastle are devastated after losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool following impressive Champions League debut

The 25-year-old swapped Newcastle for Liverpool in a £125m deal earlier this month, and on Wednesday, he made his debut for Arne Slot's side in their 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid. Now, former Liverpool and Newcastle manager Benitez has commented on what the 6ft 4in forward brings to the Reds.

"I will tell you a secret, talking to Newcastle United people, they are missing him," he said on TNT Sports. "He was doing so well, he was adapting to the style, to the game. He is clever with his movements; he can play in the middle, or he can go wide. He runs in behind, and he can dribble. So I think it will be a great signing for Liverpool and a big miss for Newcastle United."

It is only natural for Newcastle to bemoan the loss of Isak, albeit for a huge fee. He scored 62 goals in 109 games and surpassed the 20-goal mark in each of his last two seasons. Isak could be even more prolific at Liverpool, due to the number of chances they create. For Eddie Howe's team, they will hope new additions Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa can fill the void left by Isak.

Isak didn't have much of a pre-season as he tried to force a Newcastle exit. Despite his lack of preparation, manager Slot was impressed by his sharpness on his Liverpool debut. Therefore, the Swede may have a chance of playing in the Merseyside derby on Saturday against Everton.