When you chat with Alexander Isak, you can feel his joy at being part of Newcastle United. It’s clear why he’s improving with every game.
Isak seems like the perfect player for any manager. He focuses on his game and avoids off-field drama. You know he’s doing well when you only hear about him for his skills on the pitch.
This week, I met up with Isak for BBC Sport. I was really impressed by his outlook. His happiness and determination stood out during our conversation.
Isak leads a quiet life. He enjoys simple pleasures like walking his dog. This must be a relief for his manager, Eddie Howe, especially when you consider some of the wild stories from my time at Newcastle.
Even though Isak is a superstar, he’s down-to-earth and gets along well with teammates. He has a good sense of humor and lights up the dressing room. But it’s on the pitch where he truly makes his mark.
In my view, Isak is now in the world-class category. His performance over the past two seasons has been outstanding. Along with stars like Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland, he stands out in the Premier League.
Last season, Isak scored 25 goals across competitions, and he’s already netted 19 this season. He has a knack for finishing chances cleanly, almost like an assassin. What impresses me the most is his eagerness to grow as a player, even at just 25.
When I asked about his favorite goal this season, he had a different choice than mine. For me, it was his powerful header against Arsenal—a classic striker’s goal. The cross from Anthony Gordon was perfect, and Isak converted it effortlessly. It’s exactly what you want from a forward.
One of his standout goals was a recent one against Southampton, showcasing his amazing touch that set up a great shot. However, what matters most to him is not just the flashiness of the goal, but getting it in the net, no matter how it happens.
Reflecting on his growth, he mentioned needing to improve his positioning for tap-ins. He’s been focusing on being in the right spot at the right time, and it’s paid off. He’s clearly dedicated to refining his game, which shows his commitment to progress.
We also talked about his upbringing. Isak’s experiences shaped him, from playing street football in Stockholm to his family’s journey from Eritrea to Sweden. There’s a resilience in his character, both on and off the field.
He plays with skill, aggression, and the intelligence to create space and stretch defenses. While he’s aware of interest from other clubs, he stays grounded and focuses on his form. Isak dreams of playing in the Champions League, and like many Newcastle fans, I hope he achieves that dream with us.
I ended our chat on a light note, suggesting he continue his fantastic run and joking about the trend of long contracts for strikers. It’d be great to see him stick around and help the team win trophies.
Alan Shearer was speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
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