Alan Shearer does not view Alexander Isak as a traditional centre forward but believes Newcastle United's record signing will improve as a 'focal point'. The Sweden international scored on only his second Premier League start since September as Eddie Howe's side earned a much-needed win over Wolves on Sunday.
Isak opened the scoring with a fine first-half header, and substitute Miguel Almiron struck late to secure the points after Hwang Hee-chan's equaliser at the Gallowgate End. The former Real Sociedad star was one of five changes to the starting eleven, with Callum Wilson replacing the striker just after the hour mark.
Newcastle's number nine is in the midst of a poor run of form, but is still the club's second top scorer this season with seven goals. Shearer was asked whether Howe will now consider Isak as the first-choice forward for the remainder over the campaign, but the Premier League's all-time record goalscorer believes the 23-year-old still needs to develop his game as a central striker.
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He told Premier League Productions: "I think the important thing is that he's got options. Such is the modern-day footballer now, I think Isak is more of a forward than a centre forward.
"Callum Wilson is a centre forward who will be that [focal] point, who will get the scrappy goals for you in and around the six-yard box. I know it hasn't worked for him as of late, but mainly that's his job and that's what he's good at.
"Isak is more of a forward, he can play as a 10, he can play on the left or the right, and he can also play up front. But when he's asked to do that position today, there were three or four occasions where Newcastle were looking to get the ball in the box and he's coming as a 10 rather than being a focal point in and around the 18-yard box. But with time, with experience, and the more he plays, then that will come."
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