Alexander Isak to Newcastle: What makes him so good?

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Newcastle United have broken their transfer record by bringing in 22-year Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad. A young player with a hefty price tag, but what makes him so good? Who does he compare to? What can Newcastle expect?
Jon Mackenzie explains.
Image credit: Quality Sport Images - Contributor - Getty Images Sport via Getty Images Europe
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#NUFC #Isak

[@darthmaul408]

As a Newcastle fan I’m excited yet baffled by this signing. It reminds me of the Guimaries signing. It feels like a top 4-6 side should have been in for them before Newcastle. The amount of times I’ve heard about Chelsea and Man Utd needing a number 9, yet neither have been linked with him… Very odd.

[@ffbear8078]

Newcastle giving the promise of a top 6 finish if not this season, then in a year or 2 without the pressure and vitriol the fans throw at new players at "the big 6". Also Newcastle is still a pretty big name, easily top 10 most well known clubs from England, overall its a smarter move for an up and comer, especially one who has had a rough bit of form

[@ffbear8078]

Plus near enough guaranteed game time which big clubs like City, Chelsea, Utd won't offer, you play bad for Chelsea and you'll be replaced by a 10, play bad for Utd then Rashford and Martial come back

[@dude99844]

Fam 70million pounds is why, hes a great player with amazing potential but its clear every top 6 club has proper 9s right now and simply put, hes not worth that kind of money

[@YBNmarinara]

Same price as Nunez, only scored 6 in La Liga. Granted better league than Nunez came from but Nunez was proven in CL also.

[@markbishop2924]

I have no idea how a guy who scores 4 goals goes for 70 million.

[@CoachNiklas]

Here in Sweden we regard him as a greater talent than Kulusevski. Please remember all the doubts regarding Kulusevski when he left Juventus for Tottenham …

[@barkanellichasingdreams4142]

Isak needs someone like Kulsevski or Ødegaard to score a lot of goals.

[@CoachNiklas]

@@barkanellichasingdreams4142 Yes, and Kulusevski and Odegaard need great midfield players to provide them with passes. A football team is based on great dynamics, not just individual performances ...

[@ncljackyboi]

@@barkanellichasingdreams4142 Trippier: Am I A Joke To You?

[@barkanellichasingdreams4142]

@@ncljackyboi Ok.

[@davidvalencia129]

@@barkanellichasingdreams4142 He had Odegard and now David Silva and its not like he was the most prolific goal scorer.

[@largezo7567]

He has a lot of potential, that's for sure

[@sethharris9473]

My worry is that he ends up being like Havertz and struggles to show a real ability to actually score even if he contributes well in other aspects of the game.

[@benserkowski4663]

He will be fine

[@darrenjoffee8813]

the difference between them though is isak has been in la liga which is tougher for a striker than bundesliga and havertz was never really a striker but more of a 10 or false 9. isak being an out and out 9 will mean he should do a lot better

[@R.Mousasi]

I expect this to be the case. Great athlete and footbal player. Not a great striker instinct so to say. But it can fit really well in game were Newcastle pressure and play in transition. Because he is great in those moments.

[@mj_avfc_0730]

Great signing for Newcastle people talking about the fee however I feel he will be a good signing for them his quick got good technical ability and can score goals in an ever growing Newcastle team good signing 👏

[@Bradleyeg6]

I hope you're right, a lot of money but I trust the people at the helm.

[@binyamogba221]

@@Bradleyeg6 David Ashworth has followed him since he was on loan at Willem II and i dont know many players that handle pressure better than him

[@ws9853]

@@binyamogba221 Thats very true, my man scored a hattrick with pens When in Willem

[@nvcool1]

who cares about the fee? Newcastle the richest club in the world

[@rfcm7242]

He’s incredibly talented but unfortunately he’s so inconsistent often putting a lot of pressure on Oyarzabal. Scored 6 in 32 last season and in his only 10+ goal season, he had 3 goals by January 8th and then scored 9 in 6, then 2 in 12. Very fun to watch in terms of technical ability though and if he can find consistency will be brilliant.

[@brunoactis1104]

Well, Real Sociedad seems to be a very inconsistent team, lots of draws and 1-0 wins. You need a lot of context with a player in a team that doesn't let him perfom at his fullest.

[@DaveyMulholland]

He's 22 for feck's sake. You're talking about about a 19-21 year old.

[@XXXTENTAClON227]

I genuinely can’t think of a young striker in which this doesn’t apply to besides Vlahovic and Haaland… you make it sound like he’s missing sitters at Real Madrid

[@raf7305]

He’s 22 years old and he has a lot of time to improve.

[@mumu135mumu554]

That is not his only 10 goal season, in eredivisie he scored 12 goals in 12 games, for a total of 13 in 16

[@gertlarsson9285]

As one mentioned, 2020 he had Odeegard (now with Arsenal) by his side and those two were deadly. Really enjoy watching Real S those days. At New C he’ll be playing with really good players and I’m 100% sure he’ll be a hit in PL , no doubt what so ever 😎🥂

[@Bradleyeg6]

Good bit of insight, I totally forgot that Odeegard was there at that time.

[@earlencollings2422]

Exactly, people tend to forget that. They were so dangerous.

[@shaheralmufti4581]

Great video Jon, and everyone at Tifo! I was curious where I can buy similar art pieces to the ones behind you with the player names/kit. Where did you get them from?

[@TehLemonKing]

Wow what an amazing signing! He was super impressive at the last Euros for Sweden

[@thefootballpunnedit]

Interested to see his development as I don't think he's as good currently as he's touted to be but I do believe he has a huge ceiling.

[@allyc311]

This is an incredible video. Well done.

[@timsoel566]

Don't really watch La Liga, but I really enjoyed him at Willem II.

[@highbury4life899]

How Joelinton transition from a striker to midfield still surprises me in a positive way.

[@dwistlebg719]

2020 he had odeegard that's why he was getting more chances

[@gonufc]

I really wonder whether we'll play him on the right at times. Wilson has been fantastic so it would be very harsh to drop him (though injury records etc....) It's not like he hasn't got the pace and skill to play on the right of that three up top. Still think we'll sign one or two more- don't know how the Joao Pedro deal is going now and I still hold out hope for Paqueta! *Edit- Oh! You agree about him on the right. I was expecting to be mocked for the mere suggestion.

[@RaseYourProbs]

On the right? I don't think he's very good at tracking back. Grafting, unless it can be instilled in him, I can't see him playing on the left or right, unless only he or St max plays..

[@XXXTENTAClON227]

Wilson has pulled his hamstring. He’s out for quite a few weeks

[@ruan13o]

I feel this is almost certainly what will happen. Wilson is too good to drop to the bench and Isak costs too much money to be just an understudy to Wilson. I suspect when Wilson and ASM are both fit then it might be Almiron who gets dropped to the bench.

[@oslonorway547]

I hope he stays longer and doesn't just become what Adebayor was to MCity - a player to attract big players who will attract other bigger players in the future. PS: Saint-Maxim should never be sold, that entertaining player is the main reason I still watch their highlights.

[@strangedragon9018]

There is no need to sell asm , they dont short of money and they will become a top 6 side in coming seasons

[@adolfBBC]

The link up play with asm and willock might be special. City fan but I've been watching Newcastle since colocinni Ben arfa days and my God it's crazy to see that shelvey isn't a starter anymore. Newcastle are building for sure. His carries are top level and will open up so much space for other runners to score aswell, I can see maximin having a 10 g 10assist season minimum this year if Isak comes in to share that running threat. They just need an upgrade on almiron and they'll be crazy. I'd like to see them go in for David neres while his price is stagnant or maybe adama. Pepe from arsenal could fit into that front 3 imo could get him for a steal

[@fadedjem]

Those of us who were calling for him to be axed last season have been proven wrong. I don't think we were wrong last year, he might have still looked good in the highlights but for most of last season he had next to no effect on results or scorelines, and our best run of the season came when he was out injured. He took a long time to adapt to Eddie Howe, and he suffered with Wilson out of the team, as their chemistry is electric. Anyhow, he's started this season flying. Quiet against Brighton but even there he was much livelier than most games last season, and against Forest and City he's looked a man reborn. I don't think anyone in the club or fanbase wants to see him go now, he's more than proven his worth and ability to grow with this team. Plus as you mention he's amazing for PR, for the club's identity, for filling seats, and keeping the buoyant energy in the stands. Finally, anyone suggesting that ASM will have his nose put out of joint by Isak signing is an absolute know-nothing. He may have a permanently grumpy expression and seem like he was made to be a big fish in a small pond, but ASM's embarrassing public outburst last year was all about WANTING to be playing and competing with better players. He believes (and has started to prove) that he can score and assist more with better players in the attack with him. That's more than just "Chris Wood can't convert my crosses" - good forward lines give the defenders multiple threats to think about, and intelligently drag them around and enable one another to play. ASM can be marked out of a game - but not if Isak is on the other flank and Wilson in the centre.

[@rfcm7242]

@@fadedjem Only problem with ASM is he has no consistent end product, will score or assist in 2-3 games then not do so for 10+

[@fadedjem]

@@rfcm7242 I've given him enough flack, I'm choosing to believe in him for a while. The whole team really. I totally get what you're saying and you're probably right, but I'm gonna let the hope kill me again. End of the day we were never going to sign a whole new forward line, not when you can't sign a forward for under £50m. It wouldn't be good team building either, and if you're upgrading one of our wingers you upgrade Almiron and keep Maxi. Can always bring Miggy or Fraser back in if Maxi's form drops too badly.

[@AodhanBeag]

Toon fan here just checking back in 7 months on since 1st watching this and can confirm he is different gravy and very excited to see him reach his potential in black & white 🖤🤍

[@clarencechanxy]

Amazing analysis.

[@gianlucadimarzio5219]

Brightest talent we had in Sweden since Zlatan. As a 16 year old he slaughterd Allsvenskan and was outstanding, also during his spell on loan at Eredivisie he was sublime. In spain he also been great, scoring against Real and Barca several times. Even if he aint got the numbers of goals we all expected from him he always plays well. Rotation system at sociedad made it difficult, usually only played 60-70 mins a game for the last 2 years. Witch is outrageous off course. This lad will succed in the Prem im positive.

[@joepiekl]

"He was putting up numbers that were competing with Haaland and Mbappe." In what respect? These two have been goal a game strikers pretty much their entire careers. Other than a decent loan spell in the Netherlands, Isak has never scored at that rate. And let's be honest, even John Guidetti scored a goal a game in the Netherlands.

[@johan8969]

I was baffled all the way through this video. Isak has never been regarded in the same league as Haaland or Mbappe, ever. The notion is laughable. It honestly just felt like a 10 min video justifying an abselutely ridiculous amound of money for a mediocre player. But its expected by an english outlet reporting on prem oil clubs.

[@Rid117]

Amazing to hear Willem II mentioned on Tifo!

[@callumyeates406]

excellent analysis

[@Iaaam10]

He's incredible, what a talent!

[@faydn3150]

As a Swede, I'm obviously biased and hope he does well. That said, this transfer all comes down to Howe. Isak needs A LOT of improvement in his game, especially when it comes to goal scoring. I know the price tag was a lot, and that's why clubs like Arsenal backed out, but in my honest opinion, he wouldn't have impacted them as much as they thought. He's still young, and he can improve a lot. He's not world class, he's not top class and Newcastle are not going to be able to rely on him for goals at this time. So I hope for both Isak and Newcastle, that they're going to be able to get the best out of him in 2-3 years time

[@adolfBBC]

I think you're right. But I also think Howe has a plan for him. Don't be surprised to see him taking the ball into space to create for asm and joelinton running smart angles behind the defense. His dribbling numbers and pace are gonna help on those counters where maximin does the heavy lifting. I can see him assisting Alan alot tbh

[@faydn3150]

@@adolfBBC I hope so. He's very good at finding space, the only problem is that he doesn't pass very often, and his assist numbers are also one of the worst ones. So I hope they can get him rolling. Because he is excellent at finding space and getting in to goalscoring opportunities. He just tends to be a bit selfish, and he never finds the net lol But I hope he'll come good, for both parties. Still young, and you can see the potential. It's just going to take a while imo

[@sopes247]

his goal record this year is good 1 in 2

[@Skegfromcraigslist]

Unfortunately with that price tag a lot of fans are going to expect fairly immediate impact. If he has a slow start to his Newcastle career I hope it doesn’t dent his confidence and stifle his progression. Not sure why, totally unsubstantiated take but I have a feeling he’ll be somewhat of a bust

[@faydn3150]

@@Skegfromcraigslist Very possible. He has a lot of qualities that aren't PL standard just yet. Unless they can coach him correctly, I also have a feeling he'll bust.

[@RedK11]

FM players: ITS JUST LIKE THE SIMULATIONS!

[@b00st9728]

Six foot three: please put some kind of title in the metric system when referencing weight or height, keep up the great work :)

[@cronufc]

No

[@kezman82a]

how much is 6 foot 3? My foot is like 23 cm or something.

[@CheeseyMilkshakes]

I’m British, we use a mixture. For height we use feet but weight use KG.

[@Nerpo93]

Have fun with him Newcastle. Really lit up the league with Willem II couple of years ago will be following him with you guys as well

[@goodkidmaadblog]

Very good pronunciation of Willem II!

[@iyadaladimi3313]

Hey Tifo, I was just wondering where can we look at these Pizza Charts that you show in your videos? I'm interested in a few player's Pizza Chart and I don't want to wait until you talk about them in one of your videos. Thanks!

[@petelovatt8357]

The fee seems really high but you have to trust Eddie and Dan. Our business has been really good so far. Only Chris Wood stands out as a poor signing but he was bought under desparate circumstances. Furthemore, Eddie seems to be able to get an extra 20% out of most players. He must be confident that he'll be able to help Isak find his form again.

[@oleratomokoka7955]

As a barca fan, I approve of this transfer. This boy has terrorized Eric Garcia one too many times. Newcastle, you have signed a star

[@reth4761]

Eric Garcia is bum tho

[@sld3577]

García isn’t good

[@zoeysiddiqi1532]

who hasnt terrorized garcia, idk why you guys still play him

[@karlm641]

Thank you! Visca Barca and Howay the Lads 🟥🟦 ⬛️⬜️

[@ojasjain7977]

My nan can terrorize Eric Garcia

[@thomasverweijen6267]

Great pronunciation of the name Willem II, kudos.

[@jcrud]

The idea of ASM Wilson and Isak running (hobbling in Wilson's case) at defences is a dangerous combo! Excited for this season.

[@cannyscott]

🤣

[@Nqwilliams]

This guy is an absolute force for me in Football Manager. 3 ballon dors, 4 champions leagues, player of the season every single year at dortmund

[@Timbone07]

Haha nice

[@dgoodk5792]

Suddenly he is seen in the same light as Haaland and Mbappe. This guy who Sociodad wanted 75m in Janaury at which point he scored 3 goal despite playing in almost every game. This guy who ended the season with 6 goals in 32 games as their main striker. Yea I believe he is so good.

[@XXXTENTAClON227]

Mbappe plays with Messi and Neymar, Haaland played up top for Dortmund with Reus, give him a break ffs

[@matthenley3886]

Who is viewing him in the same light as Mbappe and Haaland? 😆😆😆

[@joedimirputden5334]

In which part did it say and compared him to Mbappe and Haaland. Somebody didn't watch the video.

[@dgoodk5792]

@@joedimirputden5334 yes you clearly did not watch the video, he said it several times. The first was 18seconds into the video.

[@SamiiRSMT]

Yes he is seen in the same light as Haaland and Mbappe because when you think of young talents, he comes to mind along with Vlahovic and Osimhen. It doesn't mean he's being compared with them, just like how Neymar is seen in the same light as Messi and CR7

[@loveelroi4453]

My Eritrean fellow.. 🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷 proud of him ..

[@oskar8421]

that table is sick

[@celtic69]

I really fancy a newcy brown now

[@hawazkiflezghi5433]

Ma Eritrean 🇪🇷 swedish boy, makes me proud everyday!❤

[@RyanMRKO721]

He's just scored exactly the kind of goal you've described for us tonight & should've had another!

[@benelkinne9808]

great positive video on Isak. He'll definitely up his game at Newcastle, other top EPL will wonder how & why they skipped getting him. Better pay $60M now than $100M in 2 years.

[@albie1332ify]

Love that Toon Top. Hope we get adidas back

[@elokao11]

haha wow, the difference between those seasons is odegaard

[@nazeem11]

That's why the eye test is also so important. People who only focus on stats will not always be able to evaluate a player correctly.

[@RichMitch]

Good shirt

[@brettsinclair3550]

Stats do not give the whole story and very difficult to judge a player based on stats alone. One thing one needs to rememeber is that this is a team sport and chemistry carries a lot of weight. The other thing is the importance of the team behind the players. Some are better than others and a few are pure excellence. In these two areas Newcastle has a. real oppurtunity to outdo Real Sociedad. If that happens few will have regrets when it comes to Isak.

[@angussmith7074]

Good Young Player who can grow with the team, beautiful

[@thevenbede767]

As a Sweden National Team fan I hope he does well

[@diulikadikaday]

Barcelona were linked with him for years. He does everything a striker should do except score goals. Real Sociedad play beautiful football, but if Isaak had better finishing, they would be in Champions League more often. He is still only 22 so has time to improve his finishing technique.

[@Curitive]

Yo, this is cool af for us fans.

[@earlencollings2422]

I wanted Arsenal to sign him, huge fan of Isak. Will be keeping a close eye on him. Very good signing for Newcastle.

[@leoulmesfin9384]

this is a phenomenal show overall, but some of your discourse could use highlights from games instead of talking straight at the camera. Not sure how that works out with copyright but just my two cents

[@paosceptic]

Lets hope that it is money well spent

[@akamiguelsanchez9985]

ASM, Isak and Miggy running at you will cause some nightmares for defenders

[@RSHeth1390]

Ah the classic Newcastle home kit one of the best kits

[@rBaggy]

Think this might be a good match tbh, A.Isak will get alot of playtime, in a league that will suit him alot better then La Liga. Newcastle gain a player that works hard, never complain. I hope he blossoms and become a 15-25 goals/season for Newcastle. And i also hope he stays there for the rest of his career. //Random Swedish guy.

[@mannymengs]

Incredibly proud of my fellow Eritrean brother, can’t wait to see what he can achieve!

[@edwardqvarfort4838]

He is swedish, soooooooo myyyyyyyyyyyy swedish brother

[@sofus47]

@@edwardqvarfort4838 he can be both

[@monrow1961]

A brother is a brother

[@NostalgiNorden]

@@monrow1961 We can all be brothers!

[@jacket2383]

@@sofus47 just no. He was born and developed as a player in sweden so he is way more swedish than eritrean.

[@maggotdrowner2940]

Good video but I lost it at Chris wood 🤣🤣

[@isaacng315]

Nice signing, classified as Advance Forward?

[@R.Mousasi]

Have seen quite alot of Isak. Between Willem 2, Sweden and Sociedad. Always impressed up until he is in front of goal. I don't think he has a great goal scoring instinct. His speed, dribbling and runs were always great. Even playing with his back to goal isn't that bad. Have seen him mis so much of the classic striker chances and also not make the striker run into the box, when other players have the ball. Good player but not expecting alot of goals.

[@KNGDM_Prince]

2020 = stats with Ødegaard 2022 = stats without Ødegaard Newcastle is getting a steal

[@moronicamon]

Worth ever penny

[@Kyle-mw3bo]

They really are playing Football Manager

[@adam_p99]

He did well against AJ

[@JordanChousmer]

As a Newcastle fan seeing Maxi as a wing back would be the most terrifying thing I could possibly imagine

[@InstiGator805]

Just scored against Liverpool

[@Bawamba]

When will he play the first game for you?

[@ricardovosse3841]

Wilson managed double figures in ONE PL season before moving to NUFC - most ever goals from OP: 8. Isak will be playing in a team that brings out the best in a CF.

[@013thijsje]

When he played for Willem II, you could clearly see he was on another level then the rest of the team.

[@ShaniAce]

I'm just surprised none of the top clubs went for him, especially Chelsea but potentially also United.

[@Tehkenny1]

Saw news that he declined United

[@stanleyjohanson6720]

I'm honestly a bit doubtful of this signing, I get that he's young and full of potential, but I think he will first struggle with the physicality of the Prem

[@TheDominicProject]

no

[@TheScodia]

From what I've heard, Due to his growth spurts he's not had time to developed his lower back muscles and properly bulk up his frame. Now he won't be haalands size but I don't see him being a Peter Crouch figure.

[@ruan13o]

@@TheScodia As comical as it was to watch him you have to give Peter Crouch some respect for scoring as many PL goals as he did. Sometimes I think it's about being able to play to your strengths.

[@cannyscott]

Whys the Adidas badge missing off ya top?

[@HaiLeQuang]

Mark my word, Newcastle with Eddie Howe will at least have a Top6 finish this season. What a great manager & well run team.

[@ARoxon566]

What a great manager and well run team and definitely not financially supported by an inhuman regime!

[@oleggold]

@@ARoxon566 Because Russian money, or Qatar money is humane. Also, from the looks of it, Newcastle is not spending too much. Waited almost 2 months to sign another player, and still needs another 2 players minimum, and the window is almost over. If money wasn't an issue, then there would be a new shiny team on the first of July.

[@thehazerecords]

This is awesome, shoutout Newcastle

[@Corvus67]

Honestly, I hope Isak makes improvements to Newcastle. But I think Paqueta would be a better signing though but that's just me...

[@dddgtsd]

what position would you play Paqueta? My only concern is that he looks best as a number 10 and we operate with three midfielders, none of which are luxury players, all have to graft and we have Bruno to make the more decisive passes. Would Paqueta work in that midfield three? The other option is as a false 9 centre forward? I've not seen him play there but I hear he can. Or on the wing? Would we get a bit caught out having him one side and Maxi the other, neither known for their defensive graft? I think he's a great player and would improve our team for sure but when youv'e got limited funds you can spend, you have to think of who would come into Howe's current system. I'm just not sure we are currently playing a system that suits Paqueta, would love to sign him and be proved wrong of course. I'd be more keen on Harrison from Leeds now and the DM from Ajax, Alvarez.

[@Christians9955]

No way he has been talked about on the same level as those young players

[@salhjasa]

I think that in England has much better reputation than in Spain here this operation is seen as a daylight robbery from la Real. He is a number 9 but his scoring ability is very poor he sure has potential and can improve the same way as Vinicius but still 70 m for this guy seem too much.

[@CammyD_]

Sociedad would have been fools not to cash in on him, especially with his drop-off in form.

[@DeterminedFC]

yeah cus in spain all the clubs are broke newcastle dsont care about spending money in th last week of the transfer window

[@XXXTENTAClON227]

Newcastle are owned by a PIF fund that has over a trillion dollars in wealth as well as Saudi Aramco, which is over 2 trillion dollars. This is a drop in the ocean. I don’t think ppl understand how rich they are Man City and PSG combined are still less than Newcastle… FFP is the only thing they are afraid of lol

[@chrisgoblin4857]

@@XXXTENTAClON227 And thanks to Mike Ashley keeping a tight financial ship, FFP isn't that big of an issue at the moment. Got to thank him for that.

[@taherajenz]

NUFC should still go all out and get Moussa Diaby he is worth the money

[@PierreWah]

Real S got a great deal :P

[@jkenmiller]

I feel Wilson is perfect to help Isak develop as a striker

[@logic9436]

Alexander is a great player and a great person. But he's no Haaland(very physical and hungry) He's more creative and aggressive and he don't have Mbappes speed. But overall, he's a tall and good player and if he improves his headgame and physical aspects, he'll be great!

[@sususegar]

I find the point about Callum Wilson being "better" at hold-up play questionable. If he's that good at it, why are his link-up play and ball retention scores so low? Isn't taking long balls on his chest and passing it to oncoming teammates an act of ball retention and link-up play too? I don't doubt Callum Wilson is a decent CF, but the pizza chart seems to indicate that he's a very limited player whether the ball comes to his chest or over his head. Or am I hearing English/PL analysis bias again, where there's still a 1990s, Souness-esque emphasis on size and long balls? Another questionable part of the pizza chart is the shot volume - doesn't seem to indicate quality of shots. Both players can simply take shots from anywhere outside the box every time they have the ball to have such volume.

[@TurtleFPL]

A genuine question. Is he actually that good? He scored 6 goals last year in 32 appearances. To me, it seems like he's living off FIFA career mode hype at this point. Good signing, but comparing him to Mbappe and Haaland is insane. 30 mill player tops I would have thought. But happy to hear other thoughts here and have my mind changed

[@ws9853]

Yes he is inconsistent But if you watch him play you Will see his potential, you Will see that he is not like every other player.

[@MickdeRaad]

In Sweden we see him as more potential than Kulusevski and Elanga. The next Zlatan, sort of. But still young, bit rough in finishing.

[@dddgtsd]

...or living off three very good seasons as a young player at Willem II and Sociedad? I get that his most recent season is gonna be the one we all scrutinise but people using it as the only thing to judge him on seems unfair when you consider what he did in the two years before that in a top league, scoring goals against some of the big boys too.

[@NathanSweeney]

Gimme Gimme Gimme a Striker from Sweeeeden!!!

[@raiden_187]

Is his name isak? Or isaac

[@hadenwesley6548]

...maybe he has improved (sounded like he hasn't), but watching him in Euros was maddening because his positioning was poor, and pundits have also mentioned this so I'm assuming it has continued. He doesn't crash the into the box as killer instinct and with so few goals last season, clearly that's an issue. If he fixed that, maybe he could get near his ceiling, because he is a silky smooth solid player. No, he is nowhere remotely near Haaland or Mbappe, are you insane??? Richarlison has very similar numbers, age, and did it in a harder league, so get a grip (.38 goal contributions in 175 matches in EPL at 25, vs Isak's .36 contributions in 105 games at 22 (nearly 23)). Seriously, levels.

[@dddgtsd]

In the Euros though he was playing in a super negative Sweden team and was isolated up top, I think based on the way they played he did pretty well. I'd like to see him with Bruno and Maxi around him.

[@micgreenson7308]

FIFA tells me he's good 💯😊

[@FM_Flop290]

If Tripper plays balls like he did at Tranmere then Isak will be perfect, running onto them, behind the defence.

[@CharlesOffdensen]

Alexander Isak will soon be 23 years old. He scored 10 goals last season in all competitions without a major injury. The year before he scored 17 goals in more than 40 games. Is he that good?

[@isakwengelin7449]

Chill with the hands bro

[@kevinmccabe7263]

I really don't get the hype around Isak. I mean, he only got 4 goals last season, 2 of which it looks like were from PKs. That's significantly worse than Rashford last year who was having the worst year of his career. He also seems much worse defensively than Wilson. Seems like Isak is good at getting shots away and carrying the ball, but his shots aren't great quality and those carries rarely lead to goals.

[@dddgtsd]

A lot of people basing their opinion on him based on his most recent season which is fair but if you look over his career his goal scoring return has been decent for a young player. Not sure what happened last year but he scored 10 in all competitions in his defence which is more than our top scorer managed last season lol. People judged Howe as an appointment because of his worst season when he took Bournemouth down but everyone forget all the great work before that, might be the same with Isak, if he can put last year behind him and rediscover his form and improve on that, could be some player.

[@kevinmccabe7263]

@@dddgtsd That's fair, we'll see how he does

[@MrFrunk1]

That boy is a problem!!! Not only he's a goal scorer... manz is also a nuisance. Great signing for The Magpies.⚪⚫

[@hamster4810]

He’s not a goal scorer, he got 6 goals last season while taking penalties

[@MrJakewray]

Why would Newcastle not want him to overperform his xg

[@Alexm0321]

Newcastle loves their 6ft players

[@robiberhe4982]

Good to see you in the Premier league?

[@royalkakler]

I may be proven wrong but isak should not be mentioned near mbappe or haaland. If he is unable to convert in la liga he will struggle in the prem. I see Callum Wilson scoring more this season and isak may never fulfill his potential.

[@nathanmiller9632]

He’s playing with better players at Newcastle.. Maxi, big joe and Bruno feeding him the ball all day.. he’ll do well for us

[@jaylynch7022]

Isak is a baller.

[@salsa_blanco]

Really want the guy to be successful, but he looks like he will be bodied/shoved around in the PL... Not as fast as people think and sometimes weak on the ball... EPL defending could eat him up, unless Newcastle has/builds a team to feed him

[@Skegfromcraigslist]

This is a ridiculous transfer fee. Well played La Real

[@neronicmoment797]

Isak is a risk but has that Henry potential to just explode the epl is so unpredictable it can eat a player alive ie a seri or Werner but just as much you could get a mane or salah from Austria and Italy respectively all very good players it’s just the epl risk