Alexander Isak is on fire in front of goal right now, and Gary Lineker believes there is only one question mark hanging over the Newcastle United star’s head.
The 24-year-old continued his rich vein of form on Saturday, scoring twice as Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at St James’ Park. It was an incredible performance from the Magpies, as they blew Spurs away just like they did in the same fixture last season.
Alexander Isak took both of his goals brilliantly, showcasing his ice cool finishing ability that justifies the constant comparisons to Thierry Henry.
The forward scored his 20th and 21st goals of the season, as he continues to enjoy the best campaign of his career. He is beginning to look cheap at £63million, which is how much Newcastle paid Real Sociedad for him in 2022 when they made him the club’s most expensive signing ever.
Isak is truly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s elite strikers, but pundit Gary Lineker believes there is one minor problem with the Sweden international right now.
Gary Lineker raises one issue with Newcastle star Alexander Isak
Lineker has been speaking about Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak alongside Toon legend Alan Shearer on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.
“17 goals in 24 Premier League appearances,” Lineker said.
“I mean the only question mark against him is that he has missed a few games.”
Shearer replied: “If you get him out on the pitch, and you have him fit, he is as good as there is in the Premier League. No doubt about that. His feet are so quick, he’s a really good finisher, he’s as quick as there is in a race. He’s a really, really clever footballer.”
How many games Alexander Isak has missed since joining Newcastle
When Isak is fit, he is devastating. His numbers in a Newcastle United shirt are exceptional, and they would be even better if he was able to remain injury free.
His debut season on Tyneside was plagued with a thigh problem that he sustained shortly after arriving at St James’ Park. There were even fears that he was already carrying the injury when he joined the club.
The thigh problem led to a lengthy spell on the sidelines, before returning to full fitness and enjoying a strong second half of the campaign.
Isak has also had problems during the 2023/24 season, with a reoccurring groin issue forcing him to miss multiple games during an injury ridden year for Newcastle United.
Since joining the club, Isak has missed 24 games due to injury. That is a worrying amount, especially given the fact he is dovetailing with Callum Wilson, who also has a history of fitness problems.
But neither player has an issue in front of goal. For Isak, he has found the net 31 times already for Newcastle United, and has an outside chance of beating Erling Haaland to the Premier League Golden Boot this season. Isak is currently three goals behind the Manchester City striker, with six games to go.
Newcastle need reliable cover for Isak
It is vital that Newcastle sign a striker in the summer. Eddie Howe needs someone who can reliably cover for Isak, and allow the Swede to rotate in and out like he did last season.
In an ideal world, Wilson would fill that role, but he is always plagued with injury problems. It is such a shame, as he has been outstanding in front of goal for the Magpies.
What Newcastle need is someone like Chris Wood, but with more goals. The New Zealander was always available, but just did not score enough goals.
The Magpies need to find a backup striker like him this summer, as that would ease the pressure on Isak and ensure he does not have to play pretty much every minute and risk further injuries.
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