Garth Crooks has labelled Newcastle striker Alexander Isak as ‘outstanding’ during our 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, naming the Swede in his latest BBC team of the week.
Isak joins the likes of Bukayo Saka, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix and Erling Haaland in Crook’s TOTW after scoring twice at the City Ground to seal all three points.
Crooks described our record signing’s performance as ‘exceptional’ after an excellent finish on the stroke of half time and a high-pressure penalty at the death to secure a dramatic but well deserved victory.
The Swede has now taken his total goal tally to six in 10 appearances, showcasing his brilliant footwork, frightening pace, immense energy and ice-cool finishing in the few starts he’s had.
Here’s what the BBC pundit had to say after picking Isak in his star XI:
‘The adjustment for his first goal was outstanding, while the coolness displayed to convert the winning penalty against Nottingham Forest justified his selection over Callum Wilson.
‘Isak is starting to produce the goods at exactly the right time for the Magpies. Wilson did well for Newcastle during the early part of the season but has run out of steam since his return from a World Cup that must have been mentally draining. Meanwhile, Isak has taken the strain and is leading the line exceptionally as the Geordies mount a serious assault on a top-four place.
‘Newcastle are currently fifth, two points behind Tottenham with two games in hand. Is it any wonder Conte has blown a fuse, having seen Spurs squander a two-goal lead at Southampton?‘
After suffering a bad injury before the World Cup, we are finally seeing the true extent of the 23-year-old’s abilities and proving why we were willing to spend around £60m for his talents.
