Pundit issues ‘unbelievable’ Alexander Isak verdict as Newcastle United footage analysed
Alexander Isak should be starting for Newcastle United ahead of Callum Wilson.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Swede’s performances.
Isak, 23, came off the bench to grab the assist as Newcastle beat Southampton 1-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday (24 January).
Since his return from injury, the striker has also scored a last-gasp winner against Fulham (15 January) while Wilson continues to struggle.
Newcastle’s number nine has not scored since returning from the Qatar World Cup despite starting all five of the club’s Premier League games.
“Wilson now has genuine competition,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“Wilson is always going to start over Chris Wood, whether he is scoring or not. But Isak looks a proper player and he’s producing.
“He’s scoring and assisting and Wilson looks a bit off it. I don’t know if maybe he isn’t fit or if he’s tired but he doesn’t look right.
“Isak has come back in and he looks so sharp. It’s a matter of time before he replaces Wilson in that team, for me.
“His movement was unbelievable against Southampton, just what they have been missing when they haven’t scored in recent weeks. The way he just gets away from the defender, wow.
“You need a return for that and when he has played for Newcastle he has looked incredible. So hopefully now he can stay fit and I think he will score a lot of goals before the end of the season and get them into the Champions League.“
Isak has scored four goals for Newcastle since his summer move from Real Sociedad.
The Magpies are next in action against Southampton on Tuesday (31 January).
In other news, Robinson has issued ‘huge’ Newcastle United verdict after Bruno Guimaraes scan reveal.