‘World star’ - Newcastle United man ‘only going to get better’ after Aston Villa display

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak has been hailed as ‘a world star’ after his two-goal display in the Magpies 5-1 hammering of Aston Villa.

The Sweden international saw off competition from fellow frontman Callum Wilson to earn a place in Eddie Howe’s starting eleven and he rewarded the Magpies manager with a classy display at St James Park.

After debutant Sandro Tonali’s early opener had been cancelled out by Moussa Diaby, Isak came to the fore with a neat finish from close range on the quarter-hour mark before he took the Magpies out of sight with a classy effort just before the hour. But it was Isak’s all-round display that impressed Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp as he described the United star as ‘fantastic footballer’.

Speaking after the win, he told Sky Sports: “Newcastle’s recruitment has been unbelievable. Isak is such a fantastic player and a world star.

“He can score goals, he’s great on the ball. This guy can do everything. He’s a sensational player. You can tell from his interview, he’s so unassuming. I don’t think he realises what a fantastic footballer he is.”

Former Chelsea and Middlesbrough striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was also impressed with Isak’s all-round display and he insisted the Magpies frontman is ‘only going to get better’ throughout his time at St James Park.

He said: “I’ve liked Alexander Isak from day one. I’ve always said he’s a very good striker having come from Real Sociedad. Technically he’s very good, he’s good with his back to goal and when he is facing it. Nothing looks out of place, the way he took his second goal. You can’t teach that. You have it, and it’s about just looking and adjusting. It’s natural, and he’s only going to get better.”