Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has named Alexander Isak in his latest Premier League Team of the Week.
The 23-year-old Magpies striker hasn’t had the best maiden year at St James’ Park amid injury and fitness issues.
Isak joined Newcastle to much fanfare last summer in a £63million switch from Real Sociedad.
However, a hamstring injury back in September forced him out of action until the New Year.
Now, Isak has looked really bright over the past few weeks and is pushing to become a regular starter.
Eddie Howe named him in the starting XI against Wolves and he repaid the manager’s faith with a great display.
He grabbed Newcastle’s opener with a brilliant header and was causing the Wolves backline some serious problems.
Isak’s outstanding display led to Shearer naming him in his latest XI and singing his praises.
“What a brilliant header from the big man,” he wrote on the PL website. “And what a huge goal for Newcastle United.”
‘Newcastle fans will love that’
Truth be told, that was one of the shorter quotes from Shearer on Isak of the weekend.
The Toon legend went into more detail about the Newcastle striker on Optus Sport.
Speaking on Matchday Live, Shearer said: “He played a big part, he brought an energy to the team which has been missing in recent games.
“The key is his goal. That’s what he was brought in to do because Newcastle had been missing so many big chances that he was brought in to put the ball in the back of the net as a centre forward – and he did that.
“But it wasn’t just that, you have to recognise what he did for the team in terms of his work rate.
“He was certainly enthusiastic. He offered a problem going in behind, he was closing down, winning the ball and Newcastle fans will love that! They will love him for doing that!
“Anyone who is prepared to work their socks off in the black and white shirt they will adore.
“But someone with a little bit of trickery and who can put the ball in the back of the net like he can will be adored if he can do it on a regular basis.”
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Isak is an outstanding player who hasn’t had the rub of the green in recent months.
Luckily, his injury issues seem to be past him and he’s finally getting up to speed and showing what he can do.
Hopefully Isak can help Newcastle finish the season strongly. Champions League qualification is still up for grabs.
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