Eddie Howe has insisted he would not swap striker Alexander Isak for anyone else after watching him inspire Newcastle to a comeback victory over relegated Sheffield United.
The Sweden international dragged the Magpies back into a game they had started dreadfully, in the process scoring for the seventh successive home game – Alan Shearer’s record of 15 remains some way distant – before converting a second-half penalty in what proved to be a 5-1 romp.
Isak’s form – he has 23 goals to his name this season – has led to speculation that some of Europe’s biggest clubs might try sign him this summer, and Howe can understand why.
Asked if the 24-year-old is world class, head coach Howe said: “I think he is, yes, I think he is.
“For me, I think the biggest thing is would I swap him with anybody else? No, I wouldn’t. When you look at his age profile and what’s to come, you look at his attributes and his qualities, he’s some talent.”
Howe reiterated that the club’s £63million record signing is not for sale, and added: “I think we should just enjoy his performances, how he’s playing at the moment.
“He’s full of confidence, he looks physically in a really good place and I just think it’s a great thing to watch him play currently.”
Newcastle were woeful before the break and Anel Ahmedhodzic took full advantage to head the visitors into a fifth-minute lead, and although Isak levelled before the break with his 22nd of the season, they were fortune to be back on terms.
However, they turned on the style after the restart, Bruno Guimaraes putting them in front with a diving header before Isak struck from the spot with Ben Osborn’s own goal and a fifth from substitute Callum Wilson completing the job.
Howe said: “We knew half-time was going to be important for us. First half, we were – I don’t need to tell you – well off it, probably a little bit of tiredness from midweek, the first game in a while and then of course a very quick turnaround.
“It enabled us to settle down a few things and come up with a much better performance.”
Opposite number Chris Wilder admitted the Blades’ capitulation was the story of their season.
“Listen, we were teetering on the edge and obviously have been put to bed,” Wilder said. “Yet again, this season can be epitomised in terms of the game today.
“First half, possibly Eddie will say his team was lethargic or not up to it; I would say that we were really good. We created some incredible chances and goals change the manner of a game.
“And then second half really is how it’s been. Physically they upped the tempo, they turned the heat on us and the goals we concede are really poor from a leadership point of view yet again.
“We go 2-1 down, we go three, four, five really quickly, which has happened too many times.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here