Vladimir Smicer has delivered a brutally honest assessment of Alexander Isak's situation ahead of Sweden's World Cup campaign, admitting he'd rather see Liverpool's record signing exit the tournament early.

The 2005 Champions League hero, who scored in both normal time and the penalty shootout during that unforgettable Istanbul triumph, believes Isak needs rest more than international football right now. Sweden kick off their Group E campaign against Tunisia in the early hours of Monday morning, but Smicer isn't exactly cheering from the sidelines.

"To be honest, I'd prefer if Alexander Isak wasn't playing in the World Cup," Smicer said. "He should have two or three weeks rest after the season and then start a six-week preparation for next season. I think that's what he was missing this season: being fit for Liverpool."

It's a damning indictment of where things stand with our £125m striker, but Smicer's concerns are rooted in genuine worry rather than criticism. Isak's debut campaign at Anfield was disrupted from the very beginning, missing most of pre-season as his protracted transfer from Newcastle dragged on through the summer.

That lack of preparation haunted him throughout the season. Even when he returned from his serious leg injury that kept him out for nearly four months, fitness issues continued to plague his progress. "Even when he came back, he injured himself again," Smicer noted. "It was a catch-up season for him."

The numbers tell their own story. Four goals in his first season wearing red is nowhere near the return expected from a player who cost more than any other in Liverpool's history. But Smicer, like most of us, still believes in the player beneath the struggles.

"I still believe we bought the right player and he will score many goals for Liverpool," he insisted. "On the other hand, I would like to see him scoring goals because I still believe we bought the right player."

There's genuine concern in Smicer's voice about Isak's World Cup participation. Sweden face a tough Group E alongside the Netherlands and Japan after their Tunisia opener, and the former midfielder worries about the physical demands on a player still finding his feet.

"I'm not sure about his fitness and I hope he will not get injured in the World Cup. I pray he will be okay and have a good World Cup for his confidence," Smicer said. "Maybe the training camp helps him a little bit, but I don't think he'll be a hundred percent fit for the World Cup."

The dilemma is clear. From Liverpool's perspective, an early Swedish exit would give Isak the rest and proper pre-season preparation he desperately needs. But for the player's confidence and development, goals on the biggest stage could prove invaluable.

Smicer's preference is obvious: "From a Liverpool perspective, I'd prefer Sweden to go out quickly. Then he can have a rest and join the Liverpool training camp before the season."

Sweden are managed by Graham Potter, the former Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham boss who knows the pressures of English football better than most. But even Potter's expertise might not be enough to take Sweden deep into the tournament, something that could actually benefit Liverpool in the long run.

Whilst Smicer harbours doubts about Isak's World Cup prospects, he's more optimistic about another Liverpool player's chances. He believes Alisson Becker can win the tournament with Brazil, despite their shaky 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening match.

"I'll go for Brazil, they are a dangerous team with an experienced coach in Carlo Ancelotti, Alisson has the best chance of the Liverpool players," Smicer said, backing the Brazilian over other contenders like Argentina and Spain.

The next few weeks will be crucial for both Liverpool players on World Cup duty, but for very different reasons. Whilst Alisson chases glory, Isak's biggest victory might simply be staying fit and finding form when it matters most for his club career.

Because ultimately, that's what this is about. Isak's Liverpool journey has barely begun, and how he emerges from this World Cup could define everything that follows.