Alexander Isak guided Newcastle United to a famous win over Liverpool on Sunday night to clinch their first trophy in 56 years, but this is how he went from a striker yet to fulfil his potental to a world-class talisman wanted by the likes of Arsenal.
On Sunday night, Alexander Isak continued to show why he has been attracting a lot of suitors after scoring his 23rd goal of the season as Newcastle United ended a 56-year wait to win a trophy, beating Liverpool 2-1 to clinch the Carabao Cup.
However, if you had asked any Newcastle United fan if the Swede’s rapid rise was possible to envision as recently as last September when they lost 3-1 at home to Fulham, they would have rendered you delusional, even with their high hopes.
The former Real Sociedad striker’s ability was never in doubt, but those who have worked closely with him describe a complex character—one who is fiercely driven yet sometimes appears reserved and disengaged.
Isak had scored only once in Newcastle’s first six matches, occasionally fading into the background during games. Even though he was playing through the pain of a broken toe, Howe demanded more.
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He presented Isak with a detailed breakdown of his movement, emphasizing the importance of positioning inside the box. The message was clear: get into the right areas, and the service will follow.
The impact was immediate. Since October 27, Isak has netted 21 goals in 24 starts, averaging a goal every 92.5 minutes across all competitions. In the Premier League, only Mohamed Salah (22 goals) has outscored Isak (18) during this period.
Seventeen of his 19 top-flight goals this season have come from inside the box, including seven from just eight shots inside the six-yard area. Jacob Murphy has provided six of Isak’s goals, with Howe’s tactical adjustments ensuring the striker receives optimal service.
“He’s got everything,” Newcastle defender Dan Burn remarked to The Athletic. “In my opinion, Alex is probably the best striker in the world at the minute.”
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The transformation is evident in Isak’s numbers. Across all competitions, he has scored 57 goals in 99 appearances (85 starts) for Newcastle, averaging 0.77 goals per 90 minutes.
He reached 50 Premier League goals in just 76 games, the seventh-fastest in history. Unlike in 2023—when Howe controversially left him out of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final starting lineup in favor of Callum Wilson—there is no debate now. Isak is the first name on the team sheet.
How Arsenal & City’s loss became Arsenal’s gain
Two years ago, Isak was still defined by potential rather than consistency. When Newcastle moved for him in 2022, other top clubs hesitated.
Arsenal considered him but ultimately opted for Gabriel Jesus. Real Madrid and Manchester City scouted him but decided against a bid. His price—initially pegged at £75 million by Real Sociedad—was a stumbling block, especially after his goal tally dropped from 17 in 2020-21 to just six in 2021-22.
Yet, Howe was convinced. After analyzing Isak’s matches, he became obsessed. Less than 30 minutes into watching a game against Barcelona, he stopped the tape and declared: “He’s the one I want.” When Wilson suffered an injury in August 2022, Newcastle finally pulled the trigger, securing Isak for a club-record £60 million, rising to £63 million.
Newcastle’s recruitment team saw the move as a calculated risk. Some questioned whether Isak’s inconsistency in Germany and Spain would carry over to England. But Howe and his staff believed in the “uncoachable raw ingredients” he possessed—his pace, technical ability, dribbling, height, and finishing prowess.
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Two years later, that belief has been vindicated. Isak is on track to become the first Newcastle player to score 20 Premier League goals in consecutive seasons. His ability to perform under pressure, adapt his game, and thrive in the physicality of the Premier League has silenced any lingering doubts.
How Isak has become world-class
What has changed for Isak? Consistency. His shot selection has improved dramatically, with 88% of his efforts coming from inside the box. His movement has become sharper, his finishing more clinical, and his chemistry with teammates—especially Murphy—has flourished.
His ability to score with both feet, coupled with his aerial threat, has made him a nightmare for defenders. Isak is also significantly outperforming his expected goals (xG), showcasing his elite finishing ability.
For Howe, Isak represents more than just a prolific goalscorer—he is proof that Newcastle’s recruitment strategy, focused on unlocking the full potential of high-upside players, is working.
. Now, he is their undisputed talisman. Newcastle’s first trophy in over five decades has largely been because of their record-breaking, difference-making, world-class striker—Alexander Isak.
