Eddie Howe has insisted he would not swap Alexander Isak for any other forward in world football – Erling Haaland included.


All eyes will be on Sweden’s Isak and Norway’s Haaland as two of the world’s best strikers meet at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday for Newcastle’s visit to Manchester City.

“I love working with Alex and I wouldn’t swap him for anyone,” said Howe. “We’ve tried to help him by moulding our style of play to suit his game. I really respect Erling and what he’s done in his career is unbelievable, but we love Alex.”
Where Haaland is perhaps more of a traditional forward and has a set tactical role in Pep Guardiola’s side, Isak remains a somewhat unconventional frontman.

“I don’t think you can compare Alex to anyone,” said Howe. “Alex is very, very different to any other striker I’ve seen or worked with.
“He does things that aren’t like your traditional center-forward. He’s almost a winger combined into a striker’s mentality because his footwork and dribbling ability are so good.

“That’s almost winger-like and then you put him into the middle of the pitch and, with his pace and technical ability and exceptional finishing, he’s sort of got the whole package linked into one. He’s very unique and I’d encourage him to stay that way.”