My take on the Alexander Isak situation (part two) | OneFootball

Churchill described Russia as “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” He could have just called that vast country “difficult to understand”, though as the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953, old Winston certainly knew a memorable turn of phrase.

His quote came to me this morning as I reflected on the all too brief stay of Alexander Isak at Newcastle United. As did a more prosaic comment, from Sting’s song on Ten Summoner’s Tales: “And you still know nothing ’bout me.”

When Isak’s transfer to Liverpool was confirmed, I bumped into a friend who called him “the sociopath from Sociedad”. Wish I’d thought of that one.

We tend to look for missed signs after a close relationship breaks down irretrievably.

There’s no doubt the relationship between the Swedish striker and United, specifically the fans, was deep and heartfelt. Every Mag at Wembley less than six months ago and the millions watching remotely, rejoiced when he stuck the ball in the Scousers’ net. That happy memory will last for ever, despite all that has happened since. If only we had known it would probably be the last time he would make a mug of Virgil van Dijk.

Were there any clues before the League Cup final?

Isak’s highlights while playing for the Mags must start with his Premier League debut on August 31, 2022, at Anfield. Match-sharp after two early-season games for Real Sociedad, he stuck the ball in the Scousers’ net not once but twice. Unfortunately, just as at Wembley this year, one of the goals was ruled out for offside.

If that calling card was not impressive enough, he netted again at Anfield the following season, then literally ran Van Dijk ragged at St James’ Park in December last year before scoring what I believe was the best goal by anyone in that Premier League campaign.

I haven’t seen a more complete striker play for Newcastle United. Shearer and Supermac were great but Isak is something else. Bravery, timing, footwork, a cannonball shot, fleet of foot, good in the air. He can find space even when tightly marked.

The dazzling run down the wing and along the dead-ball line at Goodison Park (he clearly enjoys the Merseyside air) near the end of his first United season was a thing of beauty. Even Maradona would have been pleased with that.

His header last season against Arsenal at St James’ Park, when he made Gabriel and Saliba look like a pair of Top Shop dummies, was another sublime winner. No wonder the Woolwich had allegedly been courting him for months. They didn’t get their man, despite millions of words suggesting he was on his way to north London. Arteta’s lot are the epitome of the nearly men in oh so many ways.

The final goal of Isak’s 62 for United was a nerveless penalty that rescued a point at home against Brighton on May 4. He played two more games, for a total of 109 appearances including 14 off the bench.

Nearly three weeks before the League Cup final, he missed the dress rehearsal at Anfield. He was apparently injured and United were all but toothless, an aspect of our team that has become horribly familiar in our first three matches of this season.

Could he have played that night? Did Eddie Howe play a blinder by omitting him, thus keeping our powder dry for March 16? Was there something already happening behind the scenes? As Paul Carrack sang in 1974: “How Long Has This Been Going On?”

Alexander Isak seemed to lack his remarkable sharpness and acceleration in the second half of last season. Even at Wembley, Liverpool managed to keep him quiet for the first half-hour, even though we were quicker and stronger than them all around the pitch.

I thought he was nursing an injury from January onwards, which would have been no surprise considering the punishment he was taking from opponents. A total of 48 appearances for club and country between mid-August and late May would tax any centre-forward. A mere 32 goals, eh? Don’t expect me to bury Isak; I’m here to praise him.

While I believe he’s the most complete No9 (or in his case No14) to wear black-and-white in my 50-plus years of watching United, events of the past few months point to a lack of loyalty. Ah, the old chestnut! Players and agents rightly criticise the absence of loyalty from clubs when they want to “move on” one of their formerly prized assets. Why should things be any different when the boot is on the other foot?

Elite footballers operate in a ruthless world. No player reaches the top unless he is prepared to put himself first, prepared to kick rivals and opponents out of the way, physically and metaphorically. Alexander Isak can hardly deny he has been ruthless and selfish in getting what he wants. Who are we to blame him?

He will turn 26 this month. He has represented Sweden since he was a teenager. He has won the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund, the Spanish Cup with Real Sociedad, the League Cup with United. He has played in the Champions League and, as a teenager, won the Bundesliga under-19 title.

It’s a somewhat limited medal collection for a player a decade into his pro career. Every time he steps onto the pitch, he is one game nearer the end of what so far has been a successful occupation. Perhaps he just wants to achieve more. Don’t knock ambition. And thanks for the memories.