‘World class’ Newcastle player desperately needs to find form after Emil Krafth’s pre-season prediction

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Emil Krafth’s big Newcastle United prediction is not looking too promising right now.

The 30-year-old is not known for scoring goals, but luckily his fellow Swede Alexander Isak knows how to hit the back of the net.

Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever enjoyed the best season of his career last time out, scoring 25 goals in all competitions. He was absolutely electric in front of goal, with Dan Burn admitting that Isak is ‘world class’.

He certainly was that during the 2023/24 campaign, but it has been a different story since the new season kicked off. Isak has scored just once for Newcastle United, while he has missed three games due to a toe injury.

What Emil Krafth predicted for Alexander Isak this season

While the injury has not helped matters, the goals are yet to start flowing once again for Alexander Isak.

With that in mind, Emil Krafth‘s pre-season prediction is not looking too good.

During an interview with Sky Sports, Krafth predicted that Isak would score at least 25 goals this season. After then realising he hit that amount during the previous campaign, Krafth then changed his prediction to 30 goals!

It was a pretty bold prediction, but it sums up the faith that Krafth has in his teammate, who he believes is one of the best strikers in the world.

Newcastle need Isak to hit the ground running after injury

After nine games in all competitions, Isak is 29 goals away from Krafth’s rather ambitious target. Right now, it feels like he will not get anywhere close to that tally.

If Isak is going to get close to 30 goals, he needs to hit form immediately after his return from injury. He has been out of action with a toe injury, but Isak is due to return against Brighton on Saturday.

The 25-year-old will be very eager to hit the ground running after what has been a frustrating start to the season.

In Newcastle’s opening nine games last season, Isak had scored four times, two of which came on the opening day against Aston Villa.

His start to the new campaign has been blighted by injury, but hopefully his fitness woes are now behind him. Isak could also be boosted by the return of Callum Wilson, who is also over his injury problems. The number nine’s presence should drive Isak, as his position in the Newcastle starting XI will no longer be guaranteed.