Isak can be United’s next Shearer: Howe
EDDIE Howe has dismissed any suggestions of Alexander Isak departing Newcastle United after the £63million striker was linked with Arsenal over the weekend.
With Newcastle CEO Darren Eales
talking openly about the prospect of the Magpies potentially having to part with stars, as he used Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and West Ham’s Declan Rice as examples, while also stating every player has a price in PSR, Isak is almost certainly classed as United’s prize asset.
He demonstrated again how important he was against Man City in the 3-2 defeat with a goal and other good chances.
Isak was pictured at the training ground with Alan Shearer on the eve of the game, and Howe talked up comparisons with his 14-goal leading scorer. When asked about the links with Arsenal, Howe responded by suggesting the Sweden star can become a legend on Tyneside.
Howe told Chronicle Live: “The goal was very reminiscent of Alan, really, the finish that he delivered. He can go on, I think, to achieve incredible things in his career.
“He’s got so much more to offer. He’s probably getting back to 100 per cent fit – I wouldn’t say he’s totally there yet. He’s had his own injury troubles this season, but the last two performances and the goals that he’s scored offer a glimpse, really, of his capabilities. He is really the allround striker, in my opinion.”
Meanwhile, Howe has spoken about the most important trait on display by his wounded Toon stars after the defeat. After daring to beat the champions, and then coming within a whisker of a point, Howe’s team gave watching board members the minimum requirement that will keep the head coach in control moving on to the next batch of fixtures.
When asked if he believed his players were still fighting for him, Howe said: “I think that’s all the players can do. They’ve got to show that fight in every match.
“They’re representing an incredible football club and an incredible city. I’ve never had the feeling that they’ve not. They’re a really honest group of players who want to deliver good things for the football club, and when we’re at full strength, we’re an incredibly talented squad as well.”