Alexander Isak believes that he can bring even more to the table for Newcastle United next season as he looks forward to his first full campaign on Tyneside.
The £63million man arrived after the season had started last summer and then suffered a muscle injury that kept him out until January. But he is relishing the prospect of hitting the ground running and hopes that his audacious assist at Everton in the 4-1 win can be a taster of what he can bring to the table next season.
Isak told Chronicle Live: "We can look back on last season in a good way. We'll have our time off then reconnect. Then we'll be ready for next season. We can't wait."
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Isak scored a respectable 10 goals for Newcastle in his first season despite injury issues and the fact he was not always played as a No 9. But it was his contribution at Goodison Park that earned the most plaudits as fans replayed the assist for Jacob Murphy over and over again. Murphy's tap in even ended up winning Match of the Day's Goal of the Month award for April.
In truth, Isak's genius was played down somewhat by the man himself. The Sweden international's natural ability is there for all to see but it was a case of Isak just doing what he felt was right for the team in that situation rather than showboating.
When asked about Murphy's award, he said: "Ah really? I wasn't aware."
But when asked if he was simply prepared to do a job for the team regardless of which position he is used in Isak insisted that personal glory was not at the top his agenda. Many wondered if Isak's presence at Newcastle would cause issues between him and Callum Wilson in the same way the Magpies' combination of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse eventually broke down a decade earlier.
When asked if his natural ability to beat a man will be seen again next season like at Everton, he added: "Yeah, but it all depends on what situation we're in or what position you play in. Look as a number 9, it would be hard to get in those type of situations like at Everton.
"It's one that I have shown already that I have that part of my game. My main aim is just to be consistent."
Isak also stated he would never demand to play as the central striker and wanted to emphasise that he is very much a team player. Isak reflected: "There's many parts to play. As a team we've had many games when we've scored a lot.
"Our defensive game has been brilliant. That makes it easier for me as well."
Isak is already dreaming about the Champions League next season at St James' Park after playing a part in reaching Europe's premier competition in his first campaign. Isak said: "It means a lot. I knew it was a long-term project so for us to achieve it in such a short time, it's incredible.
"To know we've got the Champions League nights for the fans back. You can see what it means to everybody so we're all happy."
