Newcastle United players Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth both started for Sweden as they beat Albania on Monday night.
They have ended the international break with a win, which was much needed after a disappointing display against Portugal. They lost that game 5-2, with Alexander Isak not really receiving a glowing review for his performance.
In truth, the reviews are not much better following the victory over Albania. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side won 1-0, with Gustaf Nilsson scoring the winner. The 26-year-old had the honour of playing through the middle, with Isak once again asked to change positions.
During the defeat to Portugal, he was an attacking midfielder. On Monday night, he was on the left wing.
It is a position he has played a lot for Newcastle, but it is not his preferred role, and he struggled to make an impression out there whilst representing his country on Monday night.
Swedish media comment on Alexander Isak’s difficult night
That is according to Swedish website Fotbollskanalen, who have provided their player ratings from Sweden’s 1-0 win over Albania.
Isak was ranked as ‘godkänd’, which directly translates to ‘approved’. It appears to mean average.
On Isak, they wrote: “Had difficulty coming into his own on the left wing. Had to take a lot of defensive runs. Threatened a few times as he cut into the plane and finished.”
Same score for Newcastle United teammate Emil Krafth
Emil Krafth was also in the Sweden starting XI against Albania, having appeared off the bench during the loss to Portugal.
He received the same rating as Isak, and was described as ‘sloppy’ in possession.
On Krafth, Fotbollskanalen wrote: “The right-back was sloppy at times and didn’t really get to the edge offensively. Lost his man on a dangerous free kick for Albania in the closing stages.”
It sounds like it was a tough night for Krafth, who was recently described as the toughest player to face in Newcastle training by Jamaal Lascelles and Tino Livramento.
They return to Newcastle United with no injury problems
While it may not have been the most productive international break for our Swedes, they will at least return to Tyneside with no injury problems.
Newcastle staff were quick to find out if Isak was alright, texting him immediately after he played another 90 minutes for his country. He came through it unscathed, which is great to hear given his recent history of groin problems.
With no fresh injury concerns, Isak will go straight back into the Newcastle team to face West Ham United on Saturday. As for Krafth, he will likely be on the bench, but it depends on the fitness of Kieran Trippier and Livramento. They both missed Newcastle’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester City due to injury.
The post 'Sloppy': Swedish media deliver their verdicts on Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth's performances last night appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.