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 asked about the direction of travel at St James’ Park, but seven 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.
With Isak again among the goals during Newcastle’s eye-catching 2-0 win at Arsenal in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. His journey to becoming Tyneside’s crown jewel.
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 ทางเข้า ufabet 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 moved to Borussia Dortmund. Abreeding ground for potential superstars. But unlike Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland, life in Germany did not work out. Coaches who worked with him recognised his ability, but the player’s shyness stopped him from establishing himself.