Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United have an absolute ‘game-changer’ when he’s at his best

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It would perhaps be fair to say that Newcastle United are yet to really get going this season.

In many ways, that is a positive.

Newcastle, somehow or another, are unbeaten in the Premier League this season and are through to the third round of the Carabao Cup.

To have managed that after a difficult summer window so bad it was slammed by club legend Alan Shearer and without playing particularly well speaks to the character in Eddie Howe’s squad.

Still, at some point, performances will undoubtedly need to improve. The Premier League is simply too ruthless to keep allowing a team to only just scrape by, albeit there have been patches in games in which Newcastle have actually impressed.

Crucial to their hopes this season is Alexander Isak. The striker got off the mark for the season by netting a late winner against Tottenham before the international break but surely few would argue Isak has not been at his best just yet.

Howe in fact believes that when he is, Newcastle will markedly improve.

Eddie Howe says Newcastle have a “game-changer” when he’s at his best

Asked whether or not Isak was in fact his most important player, Howe stopped short of suggesting it was the Swede alone who held that tag in the squad.

Still, the Newcastle United manager did admit Isak can prove a “game-changer” when he’s fully up and running.

“I don’t think there is just one, I think there’s always a group that are really important to the team and when they play well, the team plays better,” he said (via The Independent).

“Alex is certainly one of those players, he has all the qualities that we need. But ultimately we need to get him absolutely at his best because when he is, he’s a game-changer.”

Newcastle have a plan for Alexander Isak

After a stunning season last time out, Isak was linked with a move away over the course of the summer.

Still, he ultimately stayed at St James’ Park and it seems he could be getting a reward.

Newcastle are reportedly in talks to improve, extend and add a release clause to Isak’s contract, as they previously have done with teammate Bruno Guimaraes.