The rise and rise of Newcastle’s Isak

With nine Premier League goals since the beginning of December, Alexander Isak is leading the charge for a reinvigorated Newcastle United, dragging the club into the Champions League qualification race.

Inconsistency and a struggling attack had led to questions being ask about the direction of travel at St James’ Park. But six wins in a row in all competitions, and a return to form for the 25-year-old Sweden striker, has brought hope back to Tyneside.

As Newcastle prepare to face Arsenal in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg.

From doubts to certainty – how did he get here?

Isak has always dealt with the pressure of potential. As a 16-year-old he became the youngest scorer in local club AIK’s league history, and quickly established himself as a hot prospect across Europe. Comparisons to legendary countryman Zlatan Ibrahimovic soon followed, but the pair could hardly have been more contrasting.

Ibrahimovic’s brash, ego-driven persona was not shared by Isak. Born to Eritrean parents in Stockholm, he grew up humble and introverted, eventually developing into the sort of player and person Newcastle wanted to build their project around.

He has often liken to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry – great with the ball at his feet, intelligence to roam centrally and out wide, all with a trademark effortlessness.

In 2017 Isak move to Borussia Dortmund, a https://ufabet999.app breeding ground for potential superstars. But unlike Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland, life in Germany did not work out Coaches. Who work with him recognised his ability, but the player’s shyness stopped him from establishing himself.

However, one meeting between Isak and then Dortmund reserves boss Jan Siewert helped him turn his career around. Over coffee, Siewert showed the young striker two pictures side by side – one of the player sitting on the Dortmund substitutes’ bench, another of him smiling after scoring for Sweden. Siewart asked Isak what the difference was. Confidence. After opening up about his lack of it, Isak began to feel more comfortable.