Kieran Trippier believes we must start playing to Alexander Isak’s strengths following Saturday’s disappointing display at St James’ Park.
The Swede scored from the spot over the weekend to ensure we didn’t come away empty handed, however he was generally isolated and starved of good quality service all afternoon.
He took his penalty emphatically and has two goals in his first three outings since completing a club record move from Real Sociedad, but he’s struggled to get involved in our last two home games after both Crystal Palace and Bournemouth sat deep to limit the space in behind.
Trippier believes we must utilise his pace and eagerness to play off the shoulder. He claims that the 22-year-old is good in the air, yet his aerial record in front of goal suggests putting in cross after cross may not be the wisest move – something we did to no effect on Saturday.
Here’s what the England international – who turned 32 on Monday – has had to say about Isak, feeling we must play to the striker’s strengths and be less reliant on him for goals:
“He’s (Isak) slotted in straight away, like he’s been here for ages, but it’s about developing as a team. We need to find his strengths.
“We know what they are, and everyone’s seen since he’s arrived what he’s all about.
“I played against him in La Liga, so I know. He plays off the shoulder, he’s quick and he’s good in the air.
“He’s an all-round complete striker, at such a young age.
“He’ll keep growing and scoring goals for us, but it’s about not just relying on him.
“For the last two games, we created so many opportunities, but need to start putting them away.”
