The sight of a bloodied and bandaged Alexander Isak scrapping with Paris St Germain’s defence signalled a brand new step in his blossoming profession for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Isak rekindled reminiscences of Magpies warhorse Alan Shearer throughout Wednesday evening’s 4-1 Champions League demolition of the French champions when – after he had been left bleeding in a conflict of heads with full-back Lucas Hernandez – he picked himself up and redoubled his efforts to spearhead the assault as soon as once more.
Head coach Howe was delighted with the 24-year-old Sweden worldwide’s response to his midweek misfortune.
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He stated: “Especially in latest weeks, I’ve seen an actual want off the ball from Alex to press, to work, to set the requirements, actually, from the entrance when it comes to how we play off the ball and I feel he’s been terrific.
“It was not nice to see him cut and bandaged, I’d never say that, but it was nice to see a response to it. He responded and worked even harder, so full credit to him.”
Isak scored twice in his first three video games for Newcastle, together with a advantageous strike on his debut at Liverpool, however was then sidelined for nearly 4 months with a thigh damage he sustained on worldwide responsibility, though Howe admits even that enforced lay-off proved fruitful.
He stated: “It was a giant change for him when he got here to England as a result of simply the fashion of play and our fashion of play is totally different, so I feel there was a interval of adjustment for him.
“But I think probably what helped him, actually, was his early injury gave him a chance to sit back and watch the team and to understand the expectations and how we do things. Sometimes you can see that even clearer from watching.”
Former Real Sociedad frontman Isak, who’s once more prone to lead the road at West Ham on Sunday with Callum Wilson – like midfielder Joelinton – battling a hamstring damage, is the newly-enriched membership’s file signing along with his charge ultimately set to succeed in £63million.
But his efforts this week have been celebrated not more than these of defender Fabian Schar, whose £3m price ticket when he joined the membership from Deportivo la Coruna in July 2018, is beginning to appear to be a spectacular discount.
Schar’s type underneath Howe has been very good and the 31-year-old capped a advantageous defensive show against PSG famous person Kylian Mbappe and firm with a surprising injury-time strike from distance.
Howe stated: “It’s not about worth as a result of that’s solely what somebody pays and what somebody agrees to obtain for the participant. He’s simply been glorious, he actually has.
“It’s not a traditional centre-half’s end that, it’s a centre-forward’s end, actually. But he has the potential to provide moments that take your breath away. Technically he’s so good.
“If he was starting his career now, he’d be worth an absolute fortune. He’s a top player and I’m really pleased that he’s getting the consistency and the accolades for his performances.”
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