Alexander Isak has always been seen as an enormous talent, but perhaps he needed to take a step forward to establish himself as one of the best in the world in his position. However, at a time when many are talking about Haaland, Gyokeres or Kane, the Swedish striker is showing that he can now be considered a ‘9’ who can lead a candidate to win it all.
After several irregular seasons at Real Sociedad, leaving performances like the one at the Santiago Bernabéu in the Copa del Rey, which already revealed the ‘bug’ that was inside him, he has finally found the consistency necessary to add big numbers. He is the star of Newcastle and one of the best forwards in the Premier League, which is helping him to be linked with some of the best clubs in Europe and the 70 million that were paid for him (and that at the time seemed outrageous), seem to have fallen short.
Isak’s statistics this season.
Against Liverpool, who were leaders of the English League and the Champions League after beating Manchester City and Real Madrid, they gave a real exhibition. From his boots came all the danger of the ‘Hurracas’, who managed to get a point against an almost unbeatable team this season. The ’14’ was in charge of opening the scoring with a great goal from outside the area in which he exposed Virgil Van Dijk. He then provided a great assist for his teammate Gordon to put his team ahead again. Two plays that reveal all their virtues.
Exquisite control, fine dribbling and a very powerful shot (at 112 km/h!!) straight into the corner to put the ‘Reds’ on the ropes. Then, an excellent vision of the game to provide luxury assistance, because Isak has the feel of a ‘9’, but the soul of a ’10’. Beyond those couple of actions, Alexander became a headache for the defense led by Arne Slot, moving undetectably between the lines and attacking the spaces left by the defenders.
Against Brentford, although his team fell, he once again left brilliant details and a new goal that reaffirms his sweetest moment. He took advantage of a cross to place his head perfectly and pierce the Premier League nets again. A killer goal that shows that the Albinegros forward is capable of doing anything.
Compared to the best… and with its future in the air
From Real Sociedad to Newcastle’s mega-project seemed like a big leap, but St. James Park has become too small for the Swede. Isak has always aimed high, being compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic since his beginnings, but over time he has evolved towards a striker style more similar to another profile, like Karim Benzema. However, if there is one player he resembles, it is the Arsenal legend with whom he shares the number, as Theo Walcott assures: “He is the closest thing to Thierry Henry that we have seen.”
With Isak, Real Madrid would be a balanced team
Thanks to these very specific characteristics, many teams have set their eyes on it. Many of Europe’s top teams have been linked with this player. Starting with Chelsea, who they say could ‘go all out’, as well as Arsenal, where he would be a substitute for Gabriel Jesús. Even Barcelona, who could also make an effort for the Swede. In these last two teams he could fit very well due to a matter of profile. Isak is a very associative striker, ideal for what the Catalans and Gunners are looking for.
Alexander Isak celebrates a goal with Newcastle.Getty Images
However, the aforementioned Theo Walcott sees him in another team: “With Isak, Real Madrid would be balanced. He is the type of player they really need, but you could say that everyone needs a player like him on their team at this time.” moment, even Liverpool.
His main problem is that Newcastle paid 70 million euros at the time, which now has a value of 75 and that he has a contract until 2028, which complicates his departure. The only possibility is that the coffers of the ‘Hurricas’, which have been making losses for years, are forced to receive income to balance accounts. Something that could also have an impact on Real Sociedad, which would take a bit of money if it were sold.
In any case, whether in his current club or a new one, Isak is already prepared to fight for important titles. A total forward who is fulfilling the high expectations that were once placed on his shoulders, because it is never too late to shine and, in the case of the Swede, he is doing so with his own light.
