Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has come out in strong defence of Alexander Isak after former manager Ian Holloway questioned the striker's impact at St James' Park.
Speaking to William Hill, Holloway had suggested that Isak hadn't lived up to expectations since his big-money move from Real Sociedad. However, Howe was quick to dismiss these claims, praising the Swedish international's quality and potential.
'He's a Top Player' - Howe Backs Isak
'Alex is a top player with incredible attributes,' Howe told reporters. 'He's still adapting to the Premier League, but his talent is undeniable. We have complete faith in him.'
The Newcastle manager also addressed competition between Isak and Callum Wilson for the starting spot: 'Having two quality strikers is a great problem to have. They push each other every day in training.'
Holloway's Controversial Comments
Former Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway had raised eyebrows with his assessment of Isak's performances: 'For the money they paid, I expected more. He needs to show more consistency.'
Howe responded diplomatically: 'Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but we judge Alex on what we see every day. His work ethic and quality are first-class.'
What's Next for Newcastle?
With Newcastle pushing for European qualification, Howe emphasised the importance of squad depth: 'We'll need all our players at their best in the coming weeks. Alex will play a big part in that.'
The Magpies face a crucial run of fixtures that could define their season, with Isak expected to feature prominently in Howe's plans.
