The finish was instinctual, showcasing a split-second moment of brilliance, but this goal was merely the culmination of a series of actions. Isak’s movement, where he positioned himself against Virgil van Dijk before evading him as the Dutchman turned, exemplified his foresight. Anticipating Jacob Murphy’s intention to redirect the ball across the goal, he demonstrated an innate sense of timing and belief, shooting and scoring just minutes after having another goal disallowed.
These fleeting 10 seconds underscored why Alexander Isak is regarded as one of the most sought-after talents in global football. The goal he scored secured Newcastle United their first domestic trophy in 70 years, marking Isak’s own inaugural major title.
As the 25-year-old celebrated, he gestured with confidence, ready to move on. Yet, Newcastle is now in his past. Liverpool, his new employer, is responsible for a hefty £125 million transfer fee, making Isak the costliest signing in Premier League history—a deal that amounts to £130 million for Newcastle when factoring in related savings and payments they will not incur.
Having joined Newcastle for £63 million three years ago, Isak was seen as a promising striker but not as a prodigy. Since then, he has dramatically transformed the landscape of the Premier League, emerging as Newcastle’s finest forward in two decades.
Early Development
Looking back at the goal he scored in the Carabao Cup final reveals Isak’s exceptional movement, a skill honed from a young age. Growing up in Solna, a working-class suburb of Stockholm, Isak’s intelligence has always been on display, complemented by his physical prowess.
Making his debut for his boyhood club AIK at just 16, he quickly garnered praise from senior players for his tactical understanding, which often seemed more advanced than their own. Henok Goitom, another Swedish player of Eritrean descent, recognized Isak’s potential early on, recalling, “In the summer (before his debut), he was one of two or three that came to train with us. He was always looking for an opportunity.”
Another long-time coach of Isak’s, Jesper Bjork, noted, “He was smart. He wants to try to trick defenders into doing stupid things, then move the ball in another direction.”
However, Isak’s first significant transfer to Borussia Dortmund didn’t pan out as hoped. Despite interest from several top clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid, he chose Dortmund due to their track record with youth players. Unfortunately, he found himself lacking playing time, often blocked by established stars like Marco Reus and Michy Batshuayi.
A Growing Talent
Without regular opportunities, Isak struggled during his limited appearances. It was not until a loan to Dutch club Willem II that he began to flourish, netting 13 goals in 16 matches. Reflecting on that experience, Isak shared, “You go into games more relaxed, not thinking about having to score because you feel like you’re in a flow.”
His €15 million transfer to Real Sociedad in 2019 marked a turning point, where he regained his confidence in an environment conducive to his skills. Partnering with Martin Odegaard, Isak scored 33 goals in 105 La Liga matches before moving to Newcastle.
Upon his arrival, manager Eddie Howe was keen to ensure the club-record £63 million investment translated into goals. Howe nurtured Isak’s development, viewing him as a priority for the team’s future success. However, his debut season was marked by injuries, limiting his contributions and opportunities as Callum Wilson held the starting position.
Tactical Growth
One area of focus was Isak’s performance off the ball, as Newcastle’s high-press system required a commitment to defensive responsibilities. “With Alex, we try to find a balance between information and freedom,” Howe explained. He added, “We certainly won’t be leaving that to chance – there is a directive that he has to follow.”
The trust between Isak and his coaches has grown significantly. Former teammate Gabriel Aphrem recalled concerns over Isak’s coachability as a teenager, but Peter Wennberg, AIK’s academy chief, remarked that Isak had transformed his approach to training and improvement over the years.
Facing Challenges
Despite a rocky start in Dortmund, Isak still proved his potential. He recalled, “I was dropped to the bench. They thought I didn’t work hard enough and they were right. It was then that I realized this was serious.” This realization sparked a commitment to bettering himself through extra training sessions and positional changes that expanded his skill set.
His time in AIK’s youth setup was not without learning curves. One event where Isak refused to participate in a game before a national team camp raised eyebrows, but he eventually acknowledged the bigger picture after a stern conversation with his coaches.
A New Chapter at Liverpool
Having signed with Liverpool, Isak’s ambition is clear. “I think I have a lot to give, I think I have a lot to improve,” he said. “I want to win everything.” This new chapter comes after a successful stint with Newcastle, where he scored a career-high 27 goals, many of which were scrappy finishes.
Howe recognized the need for Isak to focus on scoring simpler goals, stating that a greater presence in the box could lead to more opportunities. Isak echoed this sentiment, articulating a desire to be in the right places at the right times.
As he transitions into life at Liverpool, Isak’s multifaceted talent presents a valuable asset—combining dribbling, precision striking, linking play, and poaching. He is now at his peak, poised to further carve out his legacy. The question remains: how many more challenges will Alexander Isak overcome?
(Top photo by Stu Forster via Getty Images)
