NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his ... [+]
Tottenham Hotspur had no way to stop Alexander Isak. Micky van de Ven certainly didn’t. The Dutch centre back was embarrassed by the Newcastle United striker who twisted his opponent in knots - and scored twice - in an emphatic 4-0 victory for the Magpies. This was a throwback to how Newcastle played last season.
The 2023/24 campaign has been a challenging one for the St James’ Park outfit. Newcastle exited the Champions League at the exit stage and failed to make it past the quarter-finals of both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. In the Premier
And yet in Isak Newcastle boast one of the best young centre forwards in European soccer. He is the sort of talent who could still turn around the Magpies’ fortunes between now and the end of May. Isak’s performance in the win over Tottenham on Saturday proved he could become a top tier striker.
Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe (L) talks to Newcastle United's Swedish striker #14 ... [+]
“For me, he’s so exciting to work with, he’s got so many facets to his game we can explore and try to make better,” said Howe. “First and foremost, he has the undeniable quality that he wants to score, he needs to score – that’s a great characteristic for any striker to have. But he also plays for the team, he doesn’t play for himself, which is rare. You can see him linking play and doing things that the team needs, not just what he needs.”
Signed for £60m from Real Sociedad in August 2022, Isak embodies the transfer strategy that has pushed Newcastle United up the Premier League table over the past two seasons. In La Liga, his potential was clear, but the Magpies gave him the platform to reach the next level in his development. Newcastle has done the same with Sven Botman, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United controls the ball in the ... [+]
This summer presents Newcastle United with a crossroads. Sporting director Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening duty and wants to leave for Manchester United. Howe, meanwhile, has several questions hanging over him following a difficult season which will likely see Newcastle finish outside of the European qualification places.
Newcastle’s ownership might feel a change of direction is required, but the club would be foolish to deviate from the strategy that led them to sign Isak. He is a guiding light for the Magpies. He is the sort of player Newcastle must try to find more of, as difficult as that may be. Isak can be become one of the best in the world.
