Alexander Isak had been deployed in a new position for Sweden this week having typically played as a striker for Newcastle United.
When fully fit, Isak has been one of the best attacker’s in the Premier League in the last two years which is why questions were raised when Jon Dahl Tomasson announced he would be moving into a deeper role.
After a 5-2 defeat to Portugal on Thursday, Isak spoke to Sportbladet where he discussed how he managed with the change in position and what he thinks the future holds for him.
Isak still adapting to big changes for Sweden
It does seem a strange decision to try and force Isak into a completely new position, though Tomasson does have a tough job trying to fit two of Europe’s most talented striker’s in the same side.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, who Newcastle have previously shown interest in, was preferred over Isak to play in the central role, but the Sweden boss felt he had to find a way to get both in.
It’s not something Eddie Howe will be looking to do any time soon, especially with his lack of striking options already, but if it’s successful it’s definitely a good option to have for the future.
Isak himself is still unsure of the change but is willing to work harder at it for the head coach in the next game to see if he enjoys any improvements as they take on Albania tomorrow.
On changing position for Sweden, Isak said: “It was almost like being an eight. It’s a bit unusual for me, but it’s about taking on the role. We didn’t talk specifically about my role, but more generally about the areas he wants manned – in the pocket and on the edge.”
He added: “I wouldn’t say lost, but it’s clear that it will be a bit new and maybe not 100% comfortable in the first match. Hopefully it will be in the next game.”
Isak could be a world class talent at striker
Of course, Tomasson is having to pick between two top strikers, but it does feel like a lot of Isak’s best qualities are going to waste by playing in a deeper role which he is not used.
From Newcastle’s point of view, the £63m signing has been one of the most technically gifted strikers they’ve seen in a long time and has a great knack of creating a goal from absolutely nothing.
His injury record is always a worry having missed the first half of the previous season and suffering multiple knocks in the current campaign, though Howe will be hoping the worst is behind him.
If he can get into a good rhythm and a solid run of games under his belt, there’s really no telling where Isak could go in the future with the right coaching.
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