Due to his impressive performances over the past two years, Alexander Isak has established himself as one of the top attackers in the Premier League. Therefore, there was some curiosity when Jon Dahl Tomasson revealed that Isak would be transitioning into a deeper role.
Following a 5-2 loss to Portugal on Thursday, Isak shared his thoughts with Sportbladet about adapting to his new position and his outlook for the future.
Isak still adapting to big changes for Sweden
The decision to shift Alexander Isak into a completely new position does appear peculiar, considering his success as a striker. However, Jon Dahl Tomasson faces the challenge of accommodating both Isak and another highly talented striker in the same team.
Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, who has previously attracted interest from Newcastle, was chosen over Isak to play in the central role. Nevertheless, Tomasson believed it was necessary to find a way to incorporate both players.
Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s coach, is unlikely to adopt a similar approach, especially considering the team’s current lack of striking options. However, if the positional change proves successful, it could be a valuable option for the team’s future.
Isak himself remains uncertain about the transition but is willing to put in more effort in the upcoming game against Albania to see if there are any improvements. Regarding his new role for Sweden, Isak explained that it was akin to playing as an “eight,” which is somewhat unfamiliar to him. Although the specific details of his role were not extensively discussed, the focus was on occupying certain areas on the field, such as the pocket and the edges.
He acknowledged that the first match might feel somewhat unfamiliar and not entirely comfortable, but he hopes to find his stride in the next game.
Isak could be a world class talent at striker
Certainly, Tomasson faces a difficult decision in choosing between two exceptional strikers. However, it does seem like Alexander Isak’s unique strengths are being underutilized by deploying him in a deeper role, which is unfamiliar to him.
From the perspective of Newcastle, Isak’s £63 million signing has brought immense technical ability to the team, making him one of the most gifted strikers they have seen in a long time. He possesses a remarkable talent for creating scoring opportunities out of thin air.
Although concerns about his injury history persist, with Isak missing a significant portion of the previous season and experiencing multiple knocks in the current campaign, Eddie Howe will be optimistic that those troubles are now behind him.
If Isak can find a good rhythm and enjoy an extended run of games without injuries, there is no limit to his potential with the right coaching. The future holds promising possibilities for him.
