Newcastle’s 25-year-old Swedish striker has been in red-hot form of late and ahead of their meeting with West Ham on Monday night, his manager has made his feelings very, very clear
Alexander Isak has been challenged to become the best striker in the world by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
A month ago Howe threw down the gauntlet to his star Swedish goalscorer and demanded he play at the top of his game before thinking of a new contract. That triggered Isak into action and he has scored in his last four Newcastle games, including a three game winning streak.
The 25 year-old is one of the most complete strikers after recovering his full fitness after injury. He has been linked with a move to Arsenal or to a Champions League club abroad but Newcastle are under no pressure to sell one of their crown jewel players in January, or the summer.
Instead Howe wants Isak to fire Newcastle into Europe this season and said: “He’s building momentum into his season and has scored some big goals of late for us. His general performances I think have continued to improve.
“He’s gone away to Sweden and played very well, I’m delighted with how he has looked on international duty as well, to continue that good form. I think being a striker, having not been one myself, but just from my experience it’s all about confidence and how you feel.
“Alex has got undoubted qualities. I would put him right up there in terms of world strikers that are currently playing.”
Asked if he could be the best in the world, Howe added: “I feel that his potential is great. I think he can really, if he can continue on the path he has been the last few seasons, continue to go and prove himself as one of the world’s best.
“That would be, without putting pressure on him, my target if I was him.
“I think we are entering the business end in the sense that December is always full of big games and opportunities, that’s how I see it, for us to consolidate our position and continue to hopefully move into positive territory.
“But there are no guarantees, we know how tight the Premier League is this year and every game is difficult. We are under no illusions that there are easy games at home or away, we don’t underestimate anybody. But we back ourselves and this is going to be a key point in our season.”
Callum Wilson is close to a return to back up Isak ‘s goal scoring after a long spell out. He is nearing the end of his contract and could be cashed in in January.
But Howe said: “Is there a scenario where Callum could stay beyond his current deal? Of course there is. Callum’s got outstanding qualities. I know everyone in football has short memories, but you look at what Callum has done since I’ve been here – when he’s been on the pitch, he’s been incredible.
“That Champions League season, the way he and Alex dovetailed together, to help each other and help the team to produce some brilliant performances and results was brilliant to see. Now, for a long period of time, we’ve lost that ability to play them together or to help them share the load.
“That’s been a real frustration of mine, and I know for the players themselves too. My wish for Callum is just that he gets back consistently fit. If he does that, then there’s no doubting his qualities. Beyond that, the future will take care of itself. I don’t necessarily get too bogged down or worried about that, it’s more about just helping Callum in the short term.”
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