Alexander Isak 'right up there' with best strikers in the world | OneFootball

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says Alexander Isak is already one of the world's best strikers but has the potential to be even better.

The 25-year-old has come alive after a slow start to the season, scoring in each of Newcastle's last four matches, and also bagged the winning goal for Sweden in their recent 2-1 win over Slovakia in the UEFA Nations League.

Only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer scored more Premier League goals than Isak (21) during the 2023/24 season, and his clinical finishing has led to regular appearances in transfer gossip columns - Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona have all been extensively linked as they seek new number nines.

Isak has insisted that he's focused on his future at Newcastle, while his other battle over the last couple of years has been staying fit. Isak missed 12 games for club and country last season because of a recurring groin injury and he's already missed seven matches this campaign after breaking a toe.

But Howe, speaking to the media ahead of Monday's clash with West Ham United, had nothing but praise for the ability of Isak, who he already deems to be one of the great strikers in world football.

"[Isak] is building momentum into his season," Howe told reporters.

"He has scored some big goals of late for us and his general performances have continued to improve. He has gone away for Sweden and played really well and I'm delighted with how he has looked on international duty to continue that good form.

Eddie Howe values Isak highly / Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages

"Being a striker - having not been one myself, but from experience - it is all about confidence and how you feel.

"Alex has got undoubted qualities and I would put him right up there in strikers currently playing in the world, but his potential is great. If he can continue on the path he has been the past couple of seasons, he can prove himself as one of world's best.

"Without putting pressure on him, that would be my target if I was him."

Isak's recent run of goals have helped Newcastle up to eighth in the Premier League table and closer to their ambitions of getting back into the Champions League. The Magpies have lost only three 11 matches played and have shipped just 11 goals - the third best defensive record in the division.