Alexander Isak is yet to hit top form for Newcastle United this season.
The Sweden international was outrageously good last season. He scored 25 goals in all competitions, as Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever enjoyed the best season of his career.
Even more was expected from Alexander Isak this season. Emil Krafth backed Isak to score 30 goals, but the 25-year-old is well off the pace required to hit that tally.
So far, Isak has scored just once for Newcastle United. That came in the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, as he netted the winner.
He struggled last week, with Isak missing some big chances against Brighton – chances he would have scored last season.
Eddie Howe explains why Alexander Isak has not been at his best
It has been a tough start to the campaign for Newcastle’s super Swede, and now Eddie Howe has shared the reason why he thinks Isak has struggled for goals in a black and white shirt.
“He’s an outstanding talent,” he said.
“He can do everything. I’ve said that many times. He’s got this incredible natural ability. Really good with the ball and very intelligent. A deadly goalscorer when he’s at his absolute best. I would be very hesitant to swap him with anyone in world football.
“We haven’t quite seen that devastating level of his all round game this season. For me, that’s been down to a couple of niggly injuries that just keep setting him back when he looks like he’s physically ready to explode.
“I think he’s back into that prime physical condition again, or getting very close to it, so this will be a big week for him.”
Newcastle need the ‘deadly’ Alexander Isak to help re-find Champions League form
Concerns over Isak’s form come at a time when there is also concern over Isak’s future.
It has been reported that Isak could leave Newcastle in the summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, with contract talks seemingly not ongoing at this moment in time.
Eddie Howe has insisted there is no rush for Isak to sign a new deal, with his current contract running until 2028.
However, another season without Champions League football could possibly create a problem for Newcastle, as there is no doubt that Isak should be playing in that competition year after year.
For Newcastle, they will be desperate to return to the Champions League to ensure they keep their best players, such as Isak. However, it is also up to the likes of Isak to perform at their best and help Newcastle challenge for a place in the top four. It goes both ways.
Newcastle need Isak back to his best, and Howe is confident that he will soon get there after recovering from a broken toe. With no more injury issues, the Newcastle United boss believes that Isak is going to get back to being the ‘deadly’ goalscorer that he was last season.
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