Eddie Howe has two excellent strikers to choose from at Newcastle United, and Micah Richards thinks he knows which one of them should be leading the line.
We saw Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak do battle last season, as they pushed each other to both enjoy fantastic seasons. The number nine had his best ever year in the Premier League, netting 18 goals. As for Isak, he got 10 during an injury-ridden debut campaign.
They were both excellent, giving Howe a selection headache. Now the Toon boss has the same problem with the new Premier League campaign due to begin.
Wilson and Isak played around the same amount of minutes during pre-season, with Howe not giving away too many hints regarding who is going to start the opening game against Aston Villa.
We have predicted that it will be Isak, and that is who Richards wants to see leading the line for Newcastle this season.
Micah Richards wants Alexander Isak to start for Newcastle
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards explained why he thinks Isak has to start.
“I really like Isak,” he said.
“There were plenty of times last season when he was out on the left-hand side and because he’s so comfortable on the ball, they have him out there.
“I want to see him as a number nine. He’s the lead man. Give him that confidence. Give him the chances and he will score.
“Callum Wilson is always going to score goals, but I just think if Newcastle really want to challenge then Isak needs to start.”
The 23-year-old also received praise from host Gary Lineker, who described him as ‘talented’.
Isak has looked brilliant in pre-season
Injury disrupted the early stages of Isak’s debut season with Newcastle, but he looks ready to hit the ground running in campaign number two.
The Sweden international has been sharp in pre-season, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He was particularly impressive on Saturday when he started the 2-0 win over Fiorentina in the Sela Cup.
While it is going to be a challenge for Howe to keep both Isak and Wilson happy, it is the £63million man who should lead the line. He is the more complete player, and could really explode in a black and white shirt after his first proper pre-season with the Magpies.
Last season was just a taste of what he is capable of, which led to comparisons to Premier League legend Thierry Henry. Now Isak looks ready to kick on even further, and he will be keen to end the campaign as Newcastle’s top scorer.
Wilson is obviously an exceptional striker, but hopefully Howe takes Richards’ advice and picks Isak to lead the line.
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