Newcastle’s prolific striker, Alexander Isak, is proving himself to be among the top-tier forwards in the Premier League, with only Erling Haaland outscoring him this season. While Manchester City’s No.9, who has eight goals this season, has recently struggled to find the net in the English top-flight, Isak has been in fine form, notching four goals in his last three appearances for the Magpies, bringing his total for the season to six.
Isak has played a pivotal role in Eddie Howe’s team, directly contributing to 30% of their goals. Notably, he scored the decisive goal against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, eliminating Pep Guardiola’s side from a competition they usually dominate.
Across all competitions this season, the 24-year-old has managed to score seven goals in just 719 minutes. However, his impressive performances seem to be flying under the radar outside of the North East, much like last season. During his debut season in England, he was hampered by a thigh injury, and the spotlight was on Callum Wilson, who scored 18 goals as Newcastle secured a Champions League spot. Despite this, Isak still reached double figures with 10 goals and an assist in 1,527 minutes, showcasing his versatility in various positions while adapting to the demands of the Premier League.
While other high-profile summer signings like Haaland and Darwin Nunez drew attention, Isak, Newcastle’s record signing, was able to settle in without excessive scrutiny. Eddie Howe acknowledged Isak’s contributions, especially after a historic 4-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The manager commended Isak’s work rate and commitment to pressing and setting high standards for the team.
🔥 No player has scored more clear-cut goalscoring opportunities than Alexander Isak (6) in the Premier League this season pic.twitter.com/F0mOcA7c3T
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) October 9, 2023
Isak’s early injury, in an odd way, provided him with an opportunity to acclimatize to English football without the pressure to perform immediately. Callum Wilson’s stellar form ensured Newcastle didn’t miss the ÂŁ62 million signing during his absence. As a result, Howe could gradually reintegrate the 6ft 4in center-forward into the team. Now, Newcastle is reaping the rewards, with Isak proving why he was one of the most sought-after forwards in the world before his move to St James’ Park.
Isak’s recent double against West Ham United, his second of the season, demonstrates his remarkable form. He has scored in each of his last three Premier League appearances and aims to continue this streak after the international break when Newcastle faces Crystal Palace. Despite playing against them twice last season, both games ended in goalless draws.
Looking ahead, Isak will face his former club, Borussia Dortmund, in the Champions League—a game where he undoubtedly wants to make an impact after a less-than-stellar stint with BVB. Although these upcoming matches might not carry immense importance for the team, they hold personal significance for Isak.
Statistically, Isak has been one of Newcastle’s standout performers this season, boasting a WhoScored rating of 7.19. To put this in context, only Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon have higher average ratings. If Isak maintains this level of performance, he could challenge Haaland for the title of the Premier League’s best center-forward, making Newcastle’s record-breaking fee for his transfer look like a bargain.
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