Newcastle United boss, Eddie Howe stated on the club’s website that he’s ‘delighted’ with the rehab progression made by forward, Alexander Isak.
The Swedish forward was signed in the summer for a fee of £63 million from La Liga side, Real Sociedad. However, he sustained a hamstring injury back in September missing nine games for the Magpies.
At 23-years-old, Isak already has amassed a number of caps for Sweden. The forward currently has 37 caps for the European nation.
Howe was keen to get the striker out and with the squad training in Saudi Arabia before their next competitive match against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.
He said (3:10): “Alex [Isak] is just on the pitch here running and doing very well. So I think we were very determined to try and keep the group together and include all the players that have respective injuries, to bring them closer to the group and make them really feel part of the team.
“And Alex hasn’t been with us long and I think this is his first time to really bond with the squad. So we’re delighted with how his rehabs going.”
TIF’s view on Howe’s comments…
It’s great to see that Howe understands the importance of team bonding. It’s clear by his comments that he wants Isak to be settled into the squad as soon as possible.
The Magpies certainly have a potentially quality player on their hands. In the 2020/21 La Liga season, the Swede fired in 17 goals for Real Sociedad.
One of Isak’s best attributes is with the ball at his feet. He’s in the top 7% for dribbles completed when compared with other forwards (FBref).
If he can find that goal-scoring form from the 2020/21 season and combine that with his dribbling ability, he will be a major threat for Newcastle up-front.
Isak already has two goals from three appearances in the Premier League so far. So, if he continues at that rate he could be some player for them.
At only 23-years-old, Isak could be a long-term Toon striker if he plays his cards right. With the fee that the club paid for him, that will have been the expectation.