Everything you need to know about Sweden sensation Alexander Isak!
Alexander Isak is a Swedish professional football player who currently plays as a striker for Newcastle United in the Premier League and the Sweden national team. He was born on September 21, 1999, in Solna, Sweden, and has emerged as one of the most promising young strikers in the world in recent times.
Isak began his football career at the AIK Solna junior system, where he swiftly climbed up the ranks to make his senior debut in 2016 at the age of just 16. His outstanding performances piqued the interest of scouts from all across Europe, and he was soon snapped up by Borussia Dortmund in January 2017 for a fee in the region of €9m.
Despite his tender age and lack of experience, Isak was immediately thrust into the first team at Dortmund and made his first-team debut two months later, aged just 17.
However, he found playing time hard to come by in Germany, and was limited to just 13 appearances for the Bundesliga club in his debut season, scoring one goal in the process.
Isak was loaned out to Dutch club Willem II for the 2017-18 season in a bid to gain vital first-team minutes. This was a turning point in his career since he was given regular playing time and was able to showcase his talent on a consistent basis. He featured in 18 games for the club, scoring 13 goals and delivering three assists.
Following his successful loan spell in the Netherlands, Isak returned to Dortmund, but struggled to make an impact at the club once again and joined Spanish side Real Sociedad on a permanent transfer in 2019 for a fee that eventually rose to around €10m.
Isak excelled in the Basque country, and scored 44 goals from 132 appearances across all competitions for Real Sociedad, playing a part in La Real's remarkable 2020 Copa del Rey triumph as they ended a 34-year trophy drought.
His talent, and high-potential prompted nouve-riche Newcastle United to break the bank in order to bring the Swedish striker to St. James' Park last summer in a club-record deal worth over €70m including add-ons.
While he has an injury-riddled start to his Newcastle career, the Swede has already shown flashes of his talent and goal-scoring prowess, and will have a major role to play in the second half of Newcastle's exciting season as they aim for Champions League qualification this season.
He has also established himself as a key player for Sweden and has shown that he has the potential to take the baton from icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Sweden's new poster boy in the coming years.
But what are the 13 things you absolutely need to know about the Newcastle speedster?
Moulded in Sweden, but steeped in Eritrean culture
While Isak was born in Solna, Sweden, he is of Eritrean origin, the country his parents fled because of a long civil war, and seeking better opportunities for their children.
Although he grew up as a Swede, the striker has always been loyal to his Eritrean culture. He remains closely attached to his roots and currently collaborates in several soccer projects for children in the capital Asmara. In 2018, Isak even himself travelled to East Africa to explore Eritrea.
Furthermore, Isak has been involved in various charitable activities and has supported organizations that work with disadvantaged children and youth.
In 2020, Isak donated his jersey and boots to an auction to raise funds for a Swedish organization called "Min Stora Dag" (My Big Day), which helps children with serious illnesses or disabilities fulfil their dreams and wishes.
Isak's donation garnered over 18,000 euros for the noble cause.
AdvertisementNicknamed 'The New Zlatan' and 'Giraffe' 🦒
Isak was likened to Ibrahimović when he burst onto the scene with AIK as a 16-year-old.
Their playing styles, demeanour, and personalities differ, but Isak is tall and Swedish, so the comparisons were inevitable. There was also something similar in the combination of graceful athleticism and raw power between the two.
The 6ft 2in striker also earned the nickname 'Giraffe', coined by former teammates due to his slim build and long neck.
PROSHOTSThe youngest Swedish national team goalscorer in history
His record-breaking spell didn’t stop there. In January 2017, Isak was called up to the Sweden first-team squad for two friendly fixtures. After making his debut off the bench against the Ivory Coast, he was handed his first start against Slovakia four days later, scoring the first goal in Sweden's comprehensive 6-0 victory.
Isak became the youngest goalscorer in his country's history aged 17 years, three months, and 22 days old, and smashed a 105-year-old record in the process.
The Next Thierry Henry?
Every athlete has an inspiration and somebody that they look up to, and Isak is no different. In an interview with , Isak admitted his childhood footballing idol was none other than Gunners legend Thierry Henry.
Standing tall at 6ft 4in, Isak's style of play is also deemed to have a lot of similarities with the Arsenal great.
With a tall, slender figure and a devastating combination of technical brilliance and free-flowing quick feet, both can be dangerous from open play build-ups, as well as in the box and love to find the back of the net.
Like Henry, he’s got a bit of everything.
The youngster is an instinctive finisher, strong dribbler, and a cool customer in front of goal. He has poacher instincts, and the ability to latch onto passes, slalom his way past opponents and then nonchalantly fire beyond the keeper.