Report: What Newcastle coaches are saying about Alexander Isak behind the scenes

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The Carabao Cup final ended in disappointment for Newcastle United, but there was reason for optimism for the future after Alexander Isak’s cameo.

Eddie Howe made an attacking change at half time and brought Isak on for Sean Longstaff. It was a change of shape from Newcastle, who shifted from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1.

The Sweden international played just off Callum Wilson, who struggled against Manchester United at Wembley. He barely got a sniff of goal, and was described as ‘quiet‘ by former Toon player Shay Given.

While Wilson struggled, Isak was incredibly lively. He was probably our best player in the second half of the cup final, leading to suggestions that he should have started the game.

But that is in the past, and now Newcastle can only focus on the future. Isak needs to be playing more regularly, which gives Howe a selection dilemma.

The Newcastle manager either needs to change his shape to accommodate Isak and Wilson, drop the latter or play the former out of position.

Newcastle coaches want Alexander Isak to play centrally

Ever since Isak joined the club in August, it has been speculated that he could play out wide. That would allow Howe to play both Isak and Wilson, as well as keeping the same system.

However, the Athletic have reported that Toon coaches believe that the 23-year-old is best utilised through the middle.

That could rule out Newcastle using both Wilson and Isak in the current system. It means Howe will either have to drop Wilson to get Isak into the starting XI or change the formation.

It would certainly be interesting to see if they could play as a pair. We have seen them link up already this season, with Wilson setting up Isak for his winner against Fulham back in January. That was the last time Newcastle won a Premier League game.

We are yet to see the best of the £63million man in a Toon shirt. He has either been injured or played second fiddle to Wilson, but that will hopefully change in the second half of the season.

Newcastle certainly need an injection of something during this difficult run, and Isak can be the man to provide it.