‘I had my concerns’… Shaka Hislop thinks 24-year-old Newcastle attacker looked so much fitter against Man United

Add as preferred source on Google

Eddie Howe is having to ask so much of his Newcastle United players right now, and that could not be more true about Alexander Isak.

The 24-year-old has been out of action with a groin injury, but returned last week for the 4-1 win over Chelsea where he scored his seventh Premier League goal of the season.

Given Newcastle‘s lack of options in attack, Isak has since had to play the full 90 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United as well, which is a big ask for someone who has only just returned to fitness.

He got the vital goal against PSG in the Champions League, but looked visibly exhausted towards the closing stages of the game in Paris.

However, there were no signs of tiredness on Saturday night as Isak produced another impressive display that should have ended with him scoring.

But while he did not find the net, Isak proved once again why he is not just a goalscorer. He was a focal point against Manchester United, linking up brilliantly with his midfielders and terrifying Erik ten Hag’s defenders with his speed and dribbling ability.

Even in the latter stages of the game, Isak still had something left in the tank. A spectacular run from deep almost led to the Swede wrapping up the victory, only to be stopped on the edge of the box.

But it was an impressive performance from Isak, as his match sharpness goes up and up after his groin injury.

Shaka Hislop thinks Alexander Isak is getting fitter

Following the 1-0 win over Man United, former Newcastle goalkeeper Shaka Hislop praised Isak for his performance, admitting that he was worried after seeing the striker’s energy levels fade during the midweek Champions League encounter.

“I thought Newcastle were simply outstanding,” he told the ESPN FC YouTube channel.

“I had my concerns coming into this one. Even with Alexander Isak, who I thought faded against PSG – you didn’t see much sign of that late on in this one.

“He just continues to grow in fitness after coming back from injury.”

Alexander Isak needs support from Newcastle teammate Callum Wilson

Isak is giving everything right now, at a time when he is Newcastle’s only striker.

He will be asked to do it again on Thursday, when the Magpies travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton.

The Toon’s number 14 will lead the line once again, with Callum Wilson still not expected to return. However, Wilson has recently spoke about his comeback and appeared to be bullish about the prospect of being back in training in the very near future.

That would be a huge boost, and allow Howe to rotate his strikers during the busy winter period.

But for now it is only Isak up top, as the forward continues to prove exactly why Newcastle spent so much money on him last year.