Alexander Isak is no stranger to proving himself, but he is facing arguably his biggest challenge yet. At Newcastle United, for whom he became the record signing last summer – spearheading the new Saudi Arabian-funded project – there is a mix of curiosity and anticipation about the impact the 23-year-old Sweden striker could make.
Initially, he hit the ground running with a stunning debut goal against Liverpool at Anfield and a penalty in a home draw with Bournemouth. But teething problems were evident, too, as he strove to fit into Eddie Howe’s system, before picking up a thigh injury on international duty that has kept him out since September.
He returned to fitness after the World Cup break with Newcastle mounting an unlikely Champions League challenge, and the pressure is on to show exactly why the club spent £63 million to lure him from Real Sociedad. In essence, he has to reintroduce himself.
Fortunately, reintroduction has
