I flopped at Newcastle United and currently manage Alexander Isak - this is where he ranks among world's best strikers
Sweden manager and former Newcastle United star Jon Dahl Tomasson believes Alexander Isak is the world’s best striker.
Isak became a Toon legend last week by bagging in the 2-1 Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool. An impressive 23 goals across all competitions is just two behind his tally for last season.
Comparisons have been made with another Nordic goal machine, Erling Haaland, throughout the Premier League campaign. Newcastle are renowned for their goalscorers and Isak is the latest in a long line of heroes at St James’ Park.
His heroics have fuelled transfer speculation that, at times, has threatened to plague Newcastle’s season. But the Magpies are in a favourable position as the 25-year-old has three years to run on his current deal.
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Potential suitors would need to stump up a fortune, with The Telegraph claiming in December that Newcastle value Isak at £150million. That is the price around the neck of, what Tomasson has insisted, is the world’s best.
“Obviously I’m biased, but Isak is the best striker in the Premier League in my opinion,” he told the Mirror. “He’s just won a cup and was instrumental for Newcastle in that game, as he always is. Trophies are important milestones in a player’s career.
"He’ll always remember winning the cup and he’ll always remember scoring in the final, it’s a special feeling. I’m extremely happy with him playing for Sweden. He’s a great player and a great person.”
Tomasson is blessed with Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting Lisbon’s prolific bagsman, who partners Isak up front for Sweden. Premier League interest from Manchester United and Arsenal have circulated in recent months.
“Gyokeres would be fantastic in the Premier League,” he added. “He could play for any club in the world and he would score a lot of goals anywhere. He and Isak are two quite different players, but they’re both world-class strikers.”
Alexander Isak played down speculation about Newcastle United future
Isak faced further questions about his future in midweek while on international duty. He told Swedish media: "From within the club and from our side there are absolutely no discussions. It's just full focus on playing for me.
“There is a lot of writing outside but within the club no one is talking about anything like that. I just want to perform for Newcastle. Now we won the cup, but we want to finish strong and reach the Champions League games."