I was born in 1997 and have never seen this at Newcastle United - absolutely frightening
Alexander Isak is the king of St James’ Park - can you name a better player in the past 28 years?
Alexander Isak is a joke. For those who have not already, close this article and watch Sweden’s highlights against Northern Ireland last night.
The touch, guile and composure to set up Emil Holm for the first was sublime. Four opposition players left bamboozled at a 6ft 4in man gliding like a ballerina on the Strawberry Arena turf.
These are traits Newcastle United supporters have become accustomed to since Isak first pulled the famous black-and-white stripes on against Liverpool in August 2022. While last night’s opponents were hardly world-beaters, Isak proved a menace from day one.
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Just ask Virgil van Dijk - the apparent No.1 defender in world football who trembles in the super Swede’s wake whenever they meet. He has put every “big six” Premier League club to the sword in his two-and-a-half-year stay.
Sweden’s fourth saw Isak get on the scoresheet. The 25-year-old did not need help, either, as he drove towards goal from inside the opposition half before blasting into the top corner from long range.
Ironically, Isak’s strike drew parallels to his opener against Liverpool at St James’ Park in December. That is where the Liverpool talk shall end, however, unless Anfield chiefs have north of £150million to begin the conversation.
The superlatives are running out for the club’s record signing. Even a verbal gymnast who covers Newcastle for a living cannot put into words how lucky this club is to have arguably the world’s greatest striker at the peak of his powers.
As someone born in 1997, Isak has been Newcastle’s best player in a near-to-be 28-year-old lifetime. Only the tail end of Alan Shearer’s career was witnessed - so who else could be considered?
Many readers will be longer in the tooth and may remember the likes of Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald, Peter Beardsley et al. But for someone who was 10 when Mike Ashley bought the club, Isak is head and shoulders above the competition.
It is hard to think of anyone who has conjured more magical moments on Tyneside in such a short space of time. Seriously, who is there?
The unforgettable debut. His hands-on-the-hip celebration at West Ham United. THAT assist against Everton. The goal flurry to kill Tottenham Hotspur in the 6-1 rout. Limbs at Paris Saint-Germain away. An eight-game scoring run. An opener at Arsenal. And last - but certainly not least - a one-touch finish to clinch Carabao Cup glory.
That is why Newcastle must reject all advances for Isak this summer. Toon chiefs are in a strong negotiating position given the three years left to run on his contract.
In Isak, the Magpies boast the striker who can fire them to the Premier League title. Fill in the pieces around him, namely at right-wing, centre-back and between the sticks - and Newcastle can deliver the success Isak craves.
Build the team around him. Players like this, quite literally, come around once in a lifetime.
Alexander Isak cannot wait for Newcastle United celebrations
Isak - like many Newcastle fans - is excited for the trophy celebrations around the city this weekend. A bus parade will leave St James’ Park and travel to the Town Moor for a monumental event.
“You cannot describe it, almost every fan I looked up to at in Wembley was crying. There were so many emotions in my head, it was almost surreal. The best day of my life? From a football perspective, I think so.
“The party was incredible - although not too long for me as I was leaving in the morning. I can’t wait to see what Newcastle is like as a city after that.”