Garth Crooks on Newcastle – Nails it before making bizarre Alexander Isak claim

In his latest piece for the BBC, Garth Crooks has named Dan Burn and Alexander Isak in his Premier League Team of the Week.

He’s bang on in his praise for Burn – our unsung hero from Saturday’s 5-1 win – as he rightly recalls his two goal-saving blocks that kept us level heading into the break.

However, his comments on Isak are pretty baffling. ‘Alexander Isak may not go down as one of Newcastle’s greats but with 23 goals in all competitions to his name this season, he has certainly played his part.’

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m pretty certain the Swede will go down as one of the great strikers in our history. 19 goals in 23 starts this season, 23 goals in all competitions, he’s found the net in seven straight home games and, impressive stats aside, he’s a joy to watch. His mixture of pace, movement, devastating dribbling and ice cool finishing is a rare mix that has created comparison to Thierry Henry. He’s worshiped on Tyneside and it’s no longer a debate that he’s the best striker we’ve had since the great Alan Shearer.

Back to Crooks, here’s what he said for BBC Sport after selecting Burn and Isak in his TOTW, discussing Saturday’s win and Eddie Howe’s appeal to England:

Garth Crooks on Dan Burn – ‘Two very important tackles from Dan Burn kept Newcastle in the game in the first half against a Sheffield United side that for 20 minutes had the bit between their teeth. Had the Blades taken their chances at St James’ Park they might still have a chance to stay in the division.

However, they lost their nerve as opportunities went begging and with it their faith in their ability to win this match. Once Newcastle took the lead the game was over.’

Garth Crooks on Eddie Howe – ‘Next season will be a pivotal moment for Eddie Howe and the Magpies. Newcastle will not be in the Champions League but they have proved themselves worthy of playing against the very best.

However, should England not win the Euros with one of the best squads in recent years then Howe must be one of the very few English managers who could take over from Gareth Southgate. Watch this space.’

Garth Crooks on Alexander Isak – ‘Newcastle United fans expect something a little bit special from their centre-forwards. After all they have had the likes of Malcom McDonald, Kevin Keegan, Alan Shearer and Andy Cole and all have graced St James’ Park with goals – and plenty of them.

Alexander Isak may not go down as one of Newcastle’s greats but with 23 goals in all competitions to his name this season, he has certainly played his part in making sure the Magpies have recovered sufficiently from a very punishing season, and one where their exploits in the Champions League took its toll.’