Alexander Isak impresses staff at Newcastle training ground after moment Eddie Howe ‘loved’

Eddie Howe has revealed that Alexander Isak has trained ‘really well’ this week as Newcastle United’s record signing looks to build on his winning goal against Fulham.

Isak marked his first top-flight appearance since September with an 89th-minute winner in the Magpies’ 1-0 victory at St James’ Park last week. Isak impressed as a second striker when he came on, playing just off Callum Wilson in a 4-2-3-1, and the substitute’s cameo served as a reminder of the versatility that attracted Newcastle in the first place last summer.

Although the change of systems worked when Newcastle were chasing a goal late on last Sunday, Howe is wary of upsetting the balance from the off and moving away from his favoured 4-3-3 formation that has been so effective just yet. However, Isak’s ability to play up front, behind the striker and even out wide has certainly given the Magpies boss food for thought as the Sweden international continues to build up his minutes.

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Howe has been conscious of gradually easing Isak back in following his lay-off – the striker has not had much training time with the group because of a packed fixture schedule – but a rare clear week has enabled Newcastle’s coaching staff to ‘get some good work into him’. In fact, Howe revealed that Isak had trained ‘really well’ ahead of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace as the 23-year-old bids to become the first Newcastle player to score in four of his first five Premier League appearances.

“The reason we brought him in was because we really believe in him and the qualities he has,” Howe told reporters. “I believe he is a goal scorer. I also believe he is a goal creator.

“He had a huge impact coming off the bench against Fulham, just changing the dynamic of our play. He brought a real speed, athleticism and technical ability to the front line.

“I just loved his goal because it was that of a goal scorer. He was on the move in the box. The ball went beyond him, but he did not stand still. He followed the flight of the ball and Callum picked him out really well so it was great to see our two strikers combining.”

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