Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Sport
Ciaran Kelly

Alexander Isak's selfless reaction away from cameras hints Newcastle have something very special

The bad news for Newcastle United's rivals is that Alexander Isak is just getting started. Isak is becoming fitter, sharper and stronger and displaying the 'electric' attributes that have long excited staff behind the scenes in training.

You only have to look at the variety of Isak's goals in the last week, alone, to realise that. The Sweden international has scored three of Newcastle's last four goals in the Premier League to reignite the Magpies' Champions League push and each finish has showcased a different side to his game.

There was the typical striker's header against Wolves; the superb improvised volley at Nottingham Forest; and, finally, a nerveless penalty to win that game at the City Ground in the 93rd minute. It could yet prove a defining five days not only in Newcastle's season, but in Isak's career on Tyneside, too, as the record signing becomes the main man up top.

READ MORE: What ref told Jason Tindall as Nottingham Forest boss Cooper asked about Newcastle 'whingebags'

The numbers tell their own story. Isak may have played just 10 league games for the club, due to injury, but of those players who have scored at least five goals in the top-flight this season, only Man City superstar Erling Haaland has a better minutes per goal ratio than the Newcastle frontman, who has netted every 103.7 minutes. It is easy to forget the experienced Sweden international is still just 23 having already played in five European leagues. Can you put a ceiling on a talent like this?

"I personally don't believe so," Newcastle boss Eddie Howe told reporters. "There's so much more that he is capable of giving.

"We knew we were signing a top, top player capable of doing amazing things. He showed that today, but I do believe there are areas of his game - and I will believe this with every player - that we can improve. He's got a huge part to play in our future."

What will have really encouraged Howe on Friday night was how Isak was still affecting the game past the hour mark as the summer arrival completed a rare 90 minutes. It said it all about Isak's display that the goal scorer even turned provider for Elliot Anderson midway through the second half, when his scooped cross picked out the youngster's head at the back post. However, the goal was disallowed after Sean Longstaff was controversially deemed to have been offside in the build-up

Yet Newcastle kept going and when Moussa Niakhate handled inside the box at the death, there was only going to be one man who was going to take the penalty - even if Kieran Trippier picked up the ball initially in an effort to take the pressure off his team-mate. Isak was the coolest man in the stadium when he eventually stepped up in the 93rd minute, which won't have come as a surprise to anyone who has worked with him.

Isak, after all, is a calm figure who, while confident, is not aloof or arrogant. As former team-mate Henok Goitom previously told ChronicleLive: "Alex is just a humble guy. It doesn't matter where he is. He could win the World Cup and the way he acts would be the same. The fame doesn't go to his head."

Alexander Isak tracking back shortly after moving out wide (Sky Sports)

Those are qualities you don't always associate with a £63m signing. Yet it said it all that when Isak was asked to move out to the left in the first half, because Allan Saint-Maximin was struggling with a tight hamstring, the striker selflessly did so for the team without a second thought.

On the subject of that team-first mentality, Isak has embraced the more mundane responsibilities he now has as a lone frontman, whether it is leading the press or running the channels. And there is still so much more to come.

READ NEXT

Newcastle get streetwise, Howe responds to Shelvey's 'whingebags' quip and owner turns air blue

Newcastle send statement to Spurs, scary Isak truth and Shelvey's 'whingebags' jibe - 5 things

Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle's search for seven 'elite' additions who may save club millions

Newcastle transfer hint after 'big character's' emotional exit left Eddie Howe 'devastated'

Everything Eddie Howe said on Nottingham Forest, injuries and Isak at Newcastle press conference

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.