Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright is expecting big things from Newcastle United’s latest signing Alexander Isak.
The Sweden international was the fourth and final senior player to arrive at St James’ Park this summer. He became the club’s new record signing, costing £59million from Real Sociedad.
It was a huge transfer, and one that came somewhat out of the blue. The Toon owners pushed the boat out to make this deal happen, with chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan wanting to ‘do something big‘.
They certainly did that with Isak, who had a debut to remember at Anfield. The 22-year-old scored against Liverpool and was denied a second by a very tight offside call.
His home debut didn’t go quite as well, with Isak failing to find the net in front of a packed out St James’ Park.
But the early signs are promising, and Match Of The Day regular Wright believes he will be a good addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.
Ian Wright on Isak arrival
The 58-year-old spoke about Isak on the latest episode of the Kelly And Wrighty Show.
“I like Isak at Newcastle, another 6ft 4inch striker,” he said.
“I feel like when you see the way he took the first goal and he was unfortunate with his next chance, he tried to dink it.
At Newcastle, the way he plays, he can play as a number nine, in a counter attacking formation, he presses and has great skill.
“I think he is going to be a very good signing.”
Newcastle have signed a star
If Ian Wright thinks a striker is a ‘good signing’ then you should stand up and take note. He knows a thing or two about scoring goals. Wright was Arsenal’s record scorer with 185 goals until Thierry Henry surpassed that tally in 2005.
Speaking of Henry, he is someone who Isak has been compared to. That speaks volumes of Isak’s ability given Henry is often considered the greatest player in Premier League history.
But Newcastle’s newest signing will be keen to forge his own path. He has the potential to become a real superstar on Tyneside, which is one of the reasons he was brought to the club. He’s already extremely talented, but has the ability to get even better.
However, the Magpies’ new number 14 didn’t have a home debut to remember. He should have scored his first ever goal at St James’ Park.
We saw a great example of the pressing Wright mentioned, as he forced a mistake from the Crystal Palace defence. Isak then raced through on goal, but squandered his opportunity. It felt as if he simply had too much time.
That was his clearest sight of goal on Saturday, with one other effort easily saved by Vicente Guaita.
But Wright believes Isak has what it takes to be a star at Newcastle, and that should be very encouraging for Toon fans.
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