Rio Ferdinand Defends Alexander Isak: 'Nice Guys Don't Win... Clubs Get Away With Murder'

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-09-03 14:52:57 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-17 19:05:43

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Football legend Rio Ferdinand defends Alexander Isak after the player's apparent lack of aggression led to a lack of goals. He also criticizes clubs for exploiting players.

Ever since Alexander Isak's record move from Newcastle United to Liverpool faded, the Swedish striker has faced immense criticism for his lack of goals. It hasn't helped Isak that Newcastle United's recent success has shone a light on his lack of goals since the start of the season. In his defense, Isak has been playing significantly less under Jurgen Klopp, but the criticism directed towards the 22-year-old has not diminished.

Football legend Rio Ferdinand has now come to Isak's defense, criticizing the viciousness directed towards the former Newcastle player. "Nice guys don't win anything," Ferdinand said. "That's a fact. You can be a nice guy off the pitch, but when you cross that white line, it's a different game.

"When you're not nice on the pitch, you get labeled as having a nasty side, but nice guys don't win anything; they don't. You can be a decent person and still have success on the pitch. Clubs get away with murder sometimes with what they do with these guys."

Ferdinand's comments come after Crystal Palace midfielder Marc Guehi highlighted a similar problem with the British press when his move to Chelsea fell through during the summer. The former England international hopes that Isak won't be affected by the viciousness and that he can find his form with Liverpool.

"I hope he doesn't listen and they don't listen to the noise because he is a young player with immense potential, and I'm talking about the fans, the media, and the club," Ferdinand added. "As long as he's doing what he's doing with Liverpool, he should ignore it all and focus on his football because he has the potential to be a top, top player."

Isak will have a chance to prove himself when Liverpool face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

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