Former Sunderland star provides Alexander Isak view ahead of Newcastle United home debut

Former Sunderland star Darren Bent was impressed with Alexander Isak’s performance as he marked his Newcastle United debut with a goal at Liverpool.

After work permit issues presented the Sweden international from making his first appearance in Sunday’s draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Eddie Howe wasted little time in throwing his new addition into his starting lineup.

Howe’s faith was rewarded in fine style as Isak scored 38 minutes into his debut with a clinical finish to put United ahead at Anfield.

The former Real Sociedad striker put in a hardworking display and was almost rewarded with a second goal during the second-half, only to see his celebrations cut short by an offside flag.

He was replaced by Chris Wood midway through the second-half and watched on as his new side fell to an agonising late defeat.

Isak will now hope to make his first appearance at St James Park when Crystal Palace head to Tyneside this afternoon - but he has already shown enough to earn a ringing endorsement from former England striker Bent.

“He looks strong, quick, calm in front of goal, nice touch,” he told talkSPORT.

“Now, genuinely, Newcastle have got two centre forwards they can choose from.  We have Callum Wilson put in good performances, we’ve seen Isak last night put in a good performance.

“He is going to cause a lot of people a lot of problems.

“But the way he played against Liverpool, and I’m surprised they haven’t been punished more over the years with this, they play such a high line, if you can time your run in behind, you can catch them every time.

“For whatever people go too early, they don’t bend their run enough, and that’s how they catch people offside.

“But last night, what a finish.”

Isak will hope to become the first Magpies striker since to score in his first two appearances for the club since Les Ferdinand achieved that feat in the opening two games of the 1995/96 season.