Callum Wilson has made it clear to Eddie Howe that he wants to be back in Newcastle United’s starting XI.
The 31-year-old scored off the bench again during Newcastle‘s 6-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday, but it was Alexander Isak who hogged the headlines.
While Wilson netted his 11th of the season, it was Isak who ‘ran the show‘ in the eyes of Alan Shearer. The club record signing was exceptional, and now has double figures in a Toon shirt after his brace at the weekend.
Isak has been in brilliant form ever since the Carabao Cup final disappointment, and has cemented his place in Howe’s starting XI. As for Wilson, he is also playing well after a difficult start to the year.
Between them, Isak and Wilson have scored a combined 11 goals in Newcastle’s previous seven games. And in the eyes of the number nine, they are making each other better.
Callum Wilson makes Alexander Isak admission
Wilson has spoke to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie about his relationship with Isak, and sent an important message to his manager.
“We’ve bought a great striker [in Isak],” he said.
“But he’s competition and I’ve got here by fighting. As much as I like Alex on and off pitch, I play the same position and I want to start. It’s healthy for the team — recently we’ve elevated each other’s performances.”
Difficult situation for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe
This is the first time that Wilson has had proper competition since joining Newcastle in 2020. Until this season, he has always been the main man.
But now a flash new toy that cost £63million is taking his place, and forcing him to sit on the bench. Despite this, Wilson is on course for his best ever season in a Toon shirt. He needs two more goals to eclipse his tally of 12 from his debut campaign.
Two of Wilson’s 11 goals have came off the bench, which is not where he wants to be. He appreciates the competition and believes it is making him better, but has made it clear to Howe that he wants to start.
That puts the manager in a difficult position, as he has no reason to take Isak out the side, nor does he have any reason to tinker with the formation. The pair are yet to start together, despite showing signs of a partnership in the comeback win over Brentford.
Wilson’s message to Howe comes after a report claimed that the striker could leave the club this summer. Hopefully that does not happen, as he is a fantastic forward and a valuable member of the squad.
However, the less Wilson plays, the more he will ponder whether or not it is time to move on.
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