Alexander Isak: The rise and rise of Newcastle’s star striker

Isak has at all times handled the stress of potential. As a 16-year-old he turned the youngest scorer in native membership AIK’s league historical past, and shortly established himself as a scorching prospect throughout Europe. Comparisons to legendary countryman Zlatan Ibrahimovic quickly adopted, however the pair may hardly have been extra contrasting.

Ibrahimovic’s brash, ego-driven persona was not shared by Isak. Born to Eritrean dad and mom in Stockholm, he grew up humble and introverted, finally growing into the type of participant and particular person Newcastle wished to construct their mission round.

He has typically been likened to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry – nice with the ball at his toes, intelligence to roam centrally and out vast, all with a trademark effortlessness.

In 2017 Isak moved to Borussia Dortmund, a breeding floor for potential superstars, however in contrast to Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland, life in Germany didn’t work out. Coaches who labored with him recognised his potential, however the participant’s shyness stopped him from establishing himself.

Nonetheless, one assembly between Isak after which Dortmund reserves boss Jan Siewert helped him flip his profession round. Over espresso, Siewert confirmed the younger striker two photos aspect by aspect – one of many participant sitting on the Dortmund substitutes’ bench, one other of him smiling after scoring for Sweden. Siewart requested Isak what the distinction was. Confidence. After opening up about his lack of it, Isak started to really feel extra snug.

Though he discovered his toes on mortgage in Holland with Willem II in 2019 – scoring 13 targets in 16 Eredivisie video games – he joined Actual Sociedad to go to the following stage.

Isak didn’t possess the profile of a star, however his expertise was not in query. Not forgetting the place he got here from or his values, he contacted his college Spanish trainer again in Sweden to thank them for serving to him acquire an understanding of the language, they usually ended up reminiscing a couple of class journey to Barcelona.

As soon as settled in San Sebastian, Isak scored 17 targets in his second season, happening to impress at Euro 2020 with Sweden too. Although he didn’t rating within the match, his group-stage efficiency towards Slovakia confirmed precisely why he was so coveted, dribbling previous defenders comfy and serving to his nation to a 1-0 win.

Hypothesis round him intensified, however simply six targets in 32 video games in 2021-22 bolstered the thought he was not prepared to hitch an elite membership for the payment being demanded – greater than £60m.

Newcastle initially turned away from a deal at that value, however an damage to Callum Wilson modified their thoughts they usually smashed their switch file in August 2022.