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Shearer: Isak the 'assassin' will only get better

31 Jan 2025
Shearer, Isak

Newcastle striker opens up on his playing style, shirt number, targets and more in a BBC interview with club legend Alan Shearer

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Alexander Isak has set his sights on firing Newcastle United to a first major trophy for 70 years, and a return to the UEFA Champions League, after scoring 19 goals in all competitions during his impressive 2024/25 season so far.

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The Swedish striker, who only trails Mohamed Salah by two in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot, has been speaking about his objectives for the rest of the campaign - his third in English football - in an exclusive BBC Sport interview with Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

"What we're still fighting for is to win the (EFL) Cup and also to get Champions League," said Isak. "Those are the reachable targets."

Isak's exploits this season include his header to defeat Arsenal at St James' Park, a moment that particularly delighted Shearer, the Premier League's all-time top scorer with 260 goals. 

"That to me was heaven, the cross and the header. That was out of this world, I was off my seat!" enthused the England icon.




Reflecting on the interview for BBC Sport's website, Shearer likened Isak to "an assassin" for "the way he puts his chances away".

"What I really liked from talking to him is that you can tell he is still looking for ways to improve his game at the age of 25," said Shearer.

"You can see how much he is loving life at Newcastle and also understand why he keeps getting better and better as a player."

Isak told Shearer: "My ambition has always been to be good at everything. I've certainly developed the No 9 type of player where I'm good in the box.

"I've scored a few headers this season as well. I want to be a threat in every way."

Isak expanded on his playing style by revealing he was "more into dribbling and skills" than dreaming of being a centre-forward when he was younger.

"When you're young, you don't really have a position," he said. "You play a bit everywhere.

"I liked the street-football style. That's the player I want to be. I want to enjoy my football out there. I think that's when I play the best."

While Isak plays as a No 9, he has worn Newcastle's No 14 shirt since his August 2022 transfer from Real Sociedad.

"When I signed for Newcastle, out of the numbers that were available, No 14 was the most iconic one," the striker recalled.

"There are many great players that have had the No 14, like David Ginola for Newcastle. [Arsenal's Thierry Henry] was definitely one player I liked a bit extra."

When asked if he might follow Shearer's lead at Newcastle and one day change his shirt number to nine, Isak replied carefully, "I am doing well with the No 14 but on the other hand I know the No 9 is a special one for the fans."

Alan Shearer's interview with Alexander Isak will be available to watch in full on the BBC iPlayer from 06:00 GMT on Saturday, while a shorter version is on the BBC Sport website now.

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