Alexander Isak has been compared to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry after his stunning goal-creating dribble against Everton.
Coach Eddie Howe reckons the “incredible” Sweden international conjured memories of Henry’s finest ball-carrying moments when he beat five players and ran 50 yards to set up Jacob Murphy. Isak’s dribble is being hailed as one of the assists of the season… the best since Joe Willock’s 50 yard, outside of the foot wonder pass to Isak against Spurs on Sunday.
Howe said: “Thierry Henry? Yes, I can see the comparisons there. Everyone is different, there are no two players that are the same, but I do think he has some of the characteristics Thierry had.
“He's certainly got the speed and a similar build and frame. The footwork for the assist tonight was truly remarkable, really, and I think he's got a lot of potential to improve and get better. It's been a great start for him here.
“He’s got incredible feet. It was an amazing bit of skill. That’s incredible. He’s such a unique player, he really is. He has the ability to do everything. Here his control and footwork, added to his speed, it’s a real thing of beauty!”
Isak now has seven goals in his last ten Toon games, and is vying with Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron to finish top scorer. Newcastle are flying and face Southampton on Sunday looking to firm up their top four place.
Isak has been brilliant since joining from Real Sociedad for £55m and Howe said: “Is he better than I thought? Until you work with a player close-up and you see them every day, I don't think you ever know what their true capability is.
“But we've been very impressed with everything that he's delivered to this point, not just technically on the pitch, but his character and how he's handled certain situations. He's been first-class.”
Howe and Callum Wilson have opened up the prospect of both playing together more, now that Isak has proved he is a threat down the left. Wilson says a tactical compromise could see both start: “When he plays out wide he can do things like that. Obviously I’m more of a natural nine, he’s more of a wide player and, yeah, it’s a good partnership – hopefully we get some more time on the pitch together.”
Allan Saint-Maximin could be ruled out for the rest of the campaign with hamstring trouble, and Joelinton has been a massive presence in the left forward position.
Howe said: “Whoever plays needs to play well because they’ve got the others breathing down their neck. Alex played wide left today. He’s not really played there for us, he’s played there in little bits, but that was probably a good cameo he can do off the left. There is room for them both but I’m not sure as an out-and-out strike partnership.”
Newcastle have won seven of their last eight games and are close to returning to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
Confidence is high and Howe said: “Winning is everything. Of course, it's what you are paid to do and it's what you plan to do, and I'm so proud of everyone connected with the club this year and what we've given, players, staff, board, everyone. We feel really united at the moment. Things are going well. We're not taking that for granted.”
