Alexander Isak shares what his best position is after Newcastle return

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Alexander Isak has confirmed that his best position is as an out-and-out striker.

The Newcastle United attacker has made four appearances for his new club since arriving in the summer, when he became the Magpies’ most expensive signing ever for £63million.

However, all of his appearances have came when Callum Wilson has either been injured or rested. The Swede has had the freedom to play through the middle, and has scored two goals so far.

After almost four months out with a thigh injury, Isak made his return in the FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. While it was a very disappointing night, the 23-year-old looked impressive on his comeback and was unlucky not to find the net.

Next up for Newcastle is the Carabao Cup quarter final with Leicester City. Eddie Howe is expected to put out his strongest team possible, which includes Wilson through the middle.

But for the first time this season, Howe will have both Wilson and Isak available, which could pose a selection dilemma. Fans have pondered how the two could play together, with the possibility of Isak being moved out wide.

Now the former Real Sociedad forward has commented on what he thinks is his best position.

Isak on his best position

Ahead of the game against Leicester, Isak has spoke to the Northern Echo about what his best position is.

“I am a centre-forward,” he said.

“That is my position and where I am best, but then I think I have quite a wide game, so I could do other things as well. That is not for me to decide.”

Isak hands Howe a selection dilemma

With both Isak and Wilson now fit, Howe has a selection dilemma. He will be looking to find a way of getting both players in his starting XI, but that could prove to be quite the conundrum.

There is no doubt that Wilson should be through the middle. He is our number nine, and has six goals this season. But in contrast, we have spent a club record fee on a forward – it would be strange not to play him in his best position.

There is the option of going two up top, but that would be a surprise given how well Howe’s 4-3-3 is working.

Unless Isak plays out wide, it feels like it will be a case of one or the other. The Sweden international has suggested that he can play on the flank with his comments in the Northern Echo, but it would not be his preferred position.

With Isak building up his fitness after such a lengthy absence, Howe will certainly stick with Wilson through the middle for the next couple of games. But in the coming weeks we should start to get an idea of how the Toon boss intends to get them playing together in the same team.