‘Incredible’ - Alan Shearer names Newcastle United’s ‘best player’ - it's not who you think

Alan Shearer has backed Alexander Isak to go toe-to-toe with Erling Haaland for the Premier League Golden Boot.

The Newcastle United icon knows a thing or two about the award, having been crowned top goalscorer for three consecutive years during the 1990s. Shearer’s modern-day counterpart, Isak, enjoyed his best-ever scoring figures last season.

A staggering 25 strikes across all competitions in an injury-bereft team almost dragged the Magpies to European qualification. But in the Premier League, the Swede still finished six behind Manchester City talisman Haaland.

The 24-year-old won the Golden Boot and is aiming to replicate Shearer’s feat of three straight gongs - only equalled by Thierry Henry. Speaking to Betfair, Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer claimed Isak can dethrone Haaland providing he stays fit.

“I think Alexander Isak can rival Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot,” Shearer said. “But that depends on whether Haaland can stay fit and if he plays most of their games. Because of the way Man City play, I'd still expect him to win it again.

“But Isak had an incredible season last year in terms of goals and performances. He was Newcastle's best player and I'm delighted that we're going to keep hold of him. 

“There's no doubt Isak is a top quality footballer and he will score goals if he can stay fit. It was a relief that Newcastle were able to do business elsewhere and hold onto Isak because it would have been a massive blow to have lost him."