Alexander Isak is really coming into his own now.
Ever since scoring on his debut against Liverpool, the Sweden international has looked suited to life in the Premier League.
Injuries, of course, have held Isak back during his first season on Tyneside but, hopefully, they are now a thing of the past.
Two goals in as many games against Wolves and Nottingham Forest before the international break breathed new life into Newcastle’s Champions League challenge, while his performance against Manchester United was hailed by Jamie Carragher.
Now, Eddie Howe has hinted at a potential change in the future.
Alexander Isak could soon be Newcastle’s No.9
Such has been the level of his form, the idea of Isak replacing Callum Wilson as the club’s No.9 is hardly out of the question.
At only 23 and having scored six goals in eight Premier League starts, the future on that front is certainly promising.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Howe has hinted at the potential change.
“I think he could be. Who knows? I think he has a lot to prove yet. Time will be the dictator of that, but he has all the tools as you say.
“I don’t see a weakness in his game. I think he was really unlucky not to score in a few moments with a few chances. Especially his header early in the game from a cross. I thought his all-round game was very, very good and physically and athletically he’s getting stronger.”
“Definitely – especially as a striker who lives for goals.
“That’s a good thing. You want that [lack of an eye for personal glory] running through your team.
“You want the team to be at the heart of everybody’s mind. Of course, you want the individuals of the team to succeed but the team is the most important thing.”
Isak is clearly the future
Moving him to No.9 would certainly make sense.
While the Swede is able to play out wide, Newcastle staff are said to view his best position through the middle of the attack.
Given Wilson is over 30 and has suffered long-term injury problems throughout his career, it’s hard to look at him as an option going forward. That’s not to write him off completely but few would doubt it is Isak who has more room in which to grow.
The No.9 shirt is a special one at Newcastle and the early evidence would suggest Isak is worthy of it.
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