RIVERSIDE, Missouri, June ⁠17 (Reuters) - Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo said on Wednesday his side must be ⁠wary of Liverpool teammate Alexander Isak when they face Sweden in ‌their next World Cup Group F match, after the striker's return to fitness and scoring form.

Isak endured an injury-disrupted debut season at Liverpool, missing the majority of the campaign after joining the club from ​Newcastle United, but he has since regained fitness ⁠and opened his World Cup account ⁠in Sweden's 5-1 demolition of Tunisia.

"We were very happy that he returned and at ⁠the ‌end he was fit, he scored some goals and he played well. And obviously he started the tournament very well with his performance," Gakpo ⁠told reporters.

"I think everybody knows how good a player ​he is. So we ‌need to look out for him," he added.

Gakpo acknowledged the Dutch need ⁠to win after ​drawing 2-2 with Japan in their debut, but dismissed talk of added pressure as they prepare to face a confident Sweden side, whose forwards Isak and Viktor Gyokeres impressed against ⁠Tunisia.

"We know that we have to win the ​games because we want to go through the group stage. Obviously the result for Sweden was very good for them, but we have to see that separate and just ⁠focus on ourselves, what we can improve," the 27-year-old forward said.

Gakpo said the Netherlands would take lessons from their opener against a disciplined Japanese defence, particularly in dealing with tight spaces.

"I think it could be the same, but maybe Sweden's set-up ​is a little bit different. I think we will ⁠analyse that tomorrow. And then we have to make a game plan for that ​as well to see how we can try to ‌create a lot of chances," he said.

The ​Netherlands face Sweden in Houston on Saturday, while Tunisia and Japan meet in Monterrey later the same day.

(Reporting by Gabriel AraujoEditing by Toby Davis)