Sweden manager Janne Andersson ‘will talk to’ Alexander Isak about taking on more responsibility with the national side as he looks to lean on the Newcastle United star.
Andersson is adamant that Isak should now be one of Sweden’s leading figures after earning 40 caps for his nation. The 23-year-old is set to get his 41st cap on Saturday night when the Blagult travel to Estonia for a Euro 2024 qualifier. Sweden currently only sit third in Group F.
Isak was unable to help Sweden avoid defeats to Belgium and Austria on either side of a 5-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan. The Newcastle forward scored once in the drubbing to achieve nine goals for his country. He has also laid on a further five assists throughout his previous caps.
Andersson wants Isak to be a leader in the Sweden side
It was under Andersson in January 2017 that Isak enjoyed his debut with Sweden at 17 years and eight months. But it was not until March 2019 that Andersson truly saw the striker as a senior international player. He spent the two years in between playing at the Under-21 level.
A clutch of injuries have further restricted Isak’s availability for both, Sweden and Newcastle. He sustained a thigh injury while on international duty in September 2022 following a £63m move from Real Sociedad. It kept the attacker out of action on Tyneside until January 2023.
Goals have flowed regularly since, though, with Isak boasting 12 in 31 games for Newcastle to date. He has offered two in four Premier League games so far this season. But Andersson wants Isak to show greater leadership with Sweden beside the Newcastle star’s goal threat.
“For me, Alex is a player that I want to be able to take more responsibility on the field,” said Andersson, via Fotbollskanalen. “To step forward. I will talk to him about that.”
Andersson’s aspirations should only be good for Newcastle
The Sweden coach continued: “It doesn’t have to be the case that it’s one or two who will control everything. It may be that many are involved and contribute a little more.
“This is also a matter of experience. When you’ve played a number of international matches, you know what it’s all about. I’m not going to put too much pressure on him. But it’s clear that now that he has 40 caps, he’s a player we should be able to hang on to a bit.”
Andersson encouraging Isak to display more responsibility with Sweden should only be good news for Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe. Seeing the forward become an inspirational figure for his nation should also continue at St James’ Park. It can only be good to have another leader.
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