Eddie Howe makes players better at Newcastle United.
While eye-catching signings made under the PIF ownership have no doubt helped Howe’s cause at Newcastle, they don’t tell the whole story.
Miguel Almiron and Joelinton are two of the examples of players who have seen their careers transformed on Tyneside. Fabian Schar and Sean Longstaff are others.
Clearly, Howe has made the best of what he’s had available.
Even when it comes to signings, it’s not as if they’re an absolute guarantee. Spending money only gets players through the door, it does not make them function in a team.
Take Antony Gordon, for example. Howe has transformed the winger this season after a difficult start, further underlining his coaching ability.
Alexander Isak is another to have improved.
Prior to joining Newcastle, his best scoring season came back in 2020/21 – hitting 17 goals with Real Sociedad.
Now, Isak is already on 19 in the Premier League this season alone following his brace against Sheffield United on Saturday.
As a result of his stunning form, Howe believes Isak is in the best moment of his career.
Eddie Howe says Newcastle star has never played better football in his life
Speaking after the 5-1 win over the Blades on Saturday, Howe said (via The Independent): “The biggest thing, though, is that I think he’s confident in front of goal. You’ve got to remember he came from us having scored six goals in LaLiga. That confidence needed to come and it gradually did as he started scoring regularly.
“Now he’s probably in the best moment of his career, that would be my assessment. He looks in a really good place and I’m enjoying watching him play.”
Alexander Isak may be the best striker in the Premier League
It’s difficult to think of others who can match Isak’s ability in the Premier League.
Erling Haaland may have been more prolific over the course of his career but, frankly, does not look anywhere near as talented as Isak.
Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke have enjoyed fine seasons too but Isak looks a level above.
Newcastle have their best striker since Alan Shearer. He really is that good.
It will be fascinating to see how much more Howe can get out of him.
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