Callum Wilson has not started Newcastle United’s previous two games, and BBC pundit Garth Crooks believes the striker has ‘run out of steam’.
Eddie Howe started with Alexander Isak up top instead of Callum Wilson once again on Friday night, and the Swede scored a brace as Newcastle won 2-1.
It was another outstanding performance from the 23-year-old, who now has six Premier League goals this season. He is just one behind Wilson, who he now appears to be ahead of in the pecking order.
Wilson stated during the week that he had not trained due to illness, which appeared to lead with Howe keeping faith with Isak as the Magpies went in search of a winner against Nottingham Forest.
His decision paid off, as the £63million man netted a late penalty to hand Newcastle a vital three points.
Alexander Isak’s selection over Callum Wilson ‘justified’ as Newcastle win again
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has released his team of the week, and it is as lopsided as ever. But it includes Isak, who is really turning heads with his recent form.
“The adjustment for his first goal was outstanding, while the coolness displayed to convert the winning penalty against Nottingham Forest justified his selection over Callum Wilson,” Crooks wrote.
“Isak is starting to produce the goods at exactly the right time for the Magpies. Wilson did well for Newcastle during the early part of the season but has run out of steam since his return from a World Cup that must have been mentally draining.
“Meanwhile, Isak has taken the strain and is leading the line exceptionally as the Geordies mount a serious assault on a top-four place.”
Wilson’s time will come again
Crooks sums it up pretty well. Wilson just has not been the same since returning from the World Cup. The 31-year-old has only scored once since the tournament in Qatar, and has really struggled for form.
Luckily for Howe, he has now been able to turn to Isak, who is performing brilliantly. He was immense on Friday night at the City Ground, with Joe Willock comparing him to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
It looks like Wilson is going to find himself on the bench more and more, but his time will come again. If anything, Isak’s form should spur the number nine on to fight for his place in the side.
Since joining Newcastle in 2020 for £20million, this is the first time that Wilson has actually had proper competition up front.
Isak is clearly a top class centre forward, and has a big role to play in Newcastle’s future. For Wilson, he needs to regroup and prove he can still do a job in the present.
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