Eddie Howe names the Newcastle United star he wouldn’t swap for any player in world football

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Newcastle United’s best players are once again stepping up.

Only a few weeks ago, Eddie Howe questioned some of his leading players at Newcastle for a supposed drop in attitude and application levels during their defeat at Brentford earlier this month.

Indeed, even Alan Shearer got involved and suggested he didn’t like what he was seeing.

Still, they have responded since.

Newcastle are in fine form right and smashed Aston Villa 3-0 on Boxing Day to move up to fifth in the Premier League table.

• READ MORE: All of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United signings, ranked

The likes of Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes once again stepped up, while Sandro Tonali was hailed as a “genius” for his role in the first goal.

Alexander Isak, meanwhile, was described as the best striker in the Premier League after scoring for the fifth consecutive game to take his tally up to 11 for the season.

Speaking after the game, the Newcastle United manager made another big claim about the superstar Sweden international…

Eddie Howe makes a big statement about Alexander Isak at Newcastle

Howe, in fact, suggested he would not swap Isak for any other player in world football, such is the high esteem in which the former Real Sociedad forward is held.

READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots

Talking to BBC Sport, Howe said: “I love Alexander Isak, he has unbelievable quality. He’s the right age, has the right athletic profile, I signed him and love him. I wouldn’t swap him for anyone.”

How Newcastle United really feel about keeping Alexander Isak

Isak continues to be linked with moves away from the club and, frankly, that is to be expected. On current form, it’s difficult to think of a better striker around – so it’s natural other teams would be interested.

Still, the noises coming out of Newcastle look pretty positive right now. It’s believed that they do not fear the prospect of Isak leaving the club in January at the very least.

If they can secure Champions League football for next season, perhaps he’ll stay for even longer…