Alexander Isak

[Sus]

For all Mo's goalscoring feats, it really is remarkable how he NEVER gets injured, like the only time I ever remember him getting injured was when Ramos judo rolled him in the CL final

Yep it's amazing isn't it? The only other one I can remember was a hamstring injury at the last Afcon, which helped derail the rest of his season (23/24 I think).

But for a guy who has historically relied on his explosiveness & speed, his durability has been incredible

[Norbs]

Ramos is 100% on his death list for that still

[Harv]

We'll probably have to wait til AFCON to see it.

For all Mo's goalscoring feats, it really is remarkable how he NEVER gets injured, like the only time I ever remember him getting injured was when Ramos judo rolled him in the CL final

[fidget]

We'll probably have to wait til AFCON to see it.

[Norbs]

Seeing Frimpong briefly on the right shows how effective we would be without our wide players having to cut back inside on to their better foot. So for me it's

Frimpong, Szob or Wirtz on the right before Salah, and maybe Salah on the left. The old way just isn't working anymore

[Corndog]

Could it work if Ekitike plays a bit like Wirtz last night and they both have a bit of license to roam but get back wide to defend. Wirtz played well away to Frankfurt off the right so that might be an option.

We have very attacking fullbacks who can then provide the width.

And the midfield has the energy to cover the fullbacks when they attack.

I’d actually be curious to see one of Isak or Ekitike out on the right and the other centrally with Wirtz in from the left. Basically the lineup from the game vs Madrid but with Salah coming off the bench.

[memzey]

Maybe, but in the vast majority of games I can only really see us starting one of Ekitike or Isak and I'm fine with that. The balance and overall effectiveness of the team is more important than the desire to give minutes to an expensive signing (or two).

Furthermore, I think Isak needs to earn his place in the starting line-up from the bench going forward. Regardless of who is perceived to have the higher ceiling, Hugo has grasped his opportunity and deserves the shirt for now. There are plenty of games in a season and he will, no doubt, have ample opportunity to prove his worth in good time.

[Norbs]

Absolutely should make Isak earn his spot in the side. At present it seems that he's going to have a job getting back in

[peterbread]

Could it work if Ekitike plays a bit like Wirtz last night and they both have a bit of license to roam but get back wide to defend. Wirtz played well away to Frankfurt off the right so that might be an option.

We have very attacking fullbacks who can then provide the width.

And the midfield has the energy to cover the fullbacks when they attack.

[Buzzo]

I’ve almost completely forgotten that we’ve signed Isak

Ekitike has been excellent, a real live wire. The sort of player the fans will absolutely love, so Isak has a challenge to get the shirt ahead of him/Arne has a challenge to fit them both in.

I can see, as Harv alluded to, a front three of Wirtz/Isak/Ekitike being quite mouth watering in the future we’ve just not seen Hugo play off the right as he also seems to gravitate to the left.

But yeah, Isak when he’s fit and on form also brings something that it will be amazing to see.

[Mark79]

Thank ****

[frank the tank]

Thank ****

[SB]

If you didn't know you'd assume Ekitike was the established Premier League player. Looks better in every aspect so far.

Isak must be wondering where this mother****er came from!

Imagine the ridicule from the Newcastle fans if we’d passed on him & just gone for Isak

[Charly]

Andy Carroll Part 2

Part 3

[Pablo]

If you didn't know you'd assume Ekitike was the established Premier League player. Looks better in every aspect so far.

Isak must be wondering where this mother****er came from!