Callum Wilson shares the ‘brutal’ truth about what his relationship with Alexander Isak is really like

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When Newcastle United have a fully fit squad, they are blessed to have two elite strikers in Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.

The Magpies already had one brilliant goalscorer in Wilson, then they added another to the fold when they broke their transfer record to bring Isak to the club in August 2022.

The pair have rarely played together. Instead, Eddie Howe has rotated his strikers in a way that has got the best out of both of them.

They were pivotal in Newcastle qualifying for the Champions League. Wilson enjoyed his best ever season in a Toon shirt, while Isak’s injury hit debut campaign ended with him scoring 10 goals.

The duo have started the 2023/24 season brightly as well. Wilson has seven goals, while Isak is out in front on nine.

Isak’s most recent goals came against Chelsea and PSG, when Wilson was forced to watch on from the sidelines. He is currently out of action with a hamstring injury, but is hoping to return to training soon.

And the 31-year-old has admitted that he has extra motivation to return because of Isak’s recent form.

Callum Wilson speaks honestly about his relationship with Alexander Isak

Speaking on the latest episode of the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Wilson addressed his relationship with Isak and explained how they get the best out of each other.

“Personally it gives you that motivation when I sit there watching a game at St James’ Park and Alex will score, say for example,” he said.

“Someone in your position is doing well and rightly so because that is what you need, you need someone to score when you are not down there to compete.

“It’s almost more frustrating and I’m not going to sit there and say ‘yeah okay’ when Alex scores, it’s not one of them where you’re not bothered. I use it in a positive way and use it for motivation.

“That’s why we have such a good relationship on and off the pitch because you are pushing each other.

“But I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t make you push harder in your rehab. That’s me being brutally honest and if I was to say any different everyone would say I’m lying anyway.”

The Newcastle duo make each other better

There is a friendly rivalry between Isak and Wilson which can only benefit Newcastle. They push each other to score goals, because they are both fighting for that one place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.

The manager has handled them both excellently as well, allowing them to dovetail brilliantly and have equally as important roles.

There is nothing wrong with what Wilson has said. Seeing Isak score should make him hungrier to return. It would be odd if his thought process was ‘Alex is doing well so I can take my time recovering’.

Wilson wants to be back as soon as possible. He will not want Isak to get too far ahead of him in the scoring charts. The 24-year-old is currently two goals in front, but could extend that lead against Man United on Saturday night.