3 hours ago
23
The 2025/26 campaign hasn't been one to remember for Swedish striker Alexander Isak. After securing a move from Newcastle for an initial fee of £125 million ($167 million), the 26-year-old has just two goals.
He's found himself as the subject of jokes online, particularly considering the form of fellow summer transfer Hugo Ekitike. With Isak tabbed as coach Arne Slot's second choice up top, fans piled on the Swedish in a recent YouTube video on Sky Sports' Premier League channel.
Isak lined up alongside Andy Robertson in a challenge to "pick the footballer" out of a lineup of five contenders. "I was surprised when I saw Isak was not standing next to the other 5 guys," the most-liked comment read, prompting a sea of copycats.
"No one would have guessed Isak was a footballer if he were among the contestants," another said. "Don't know the secret footballer yet, but the impostor is definitely the one standing with Robbo," one fan posted.
"Guess the footballer? I can tell you Isak definitely isn't one with the way he's playing," another added. Other comments centered on Isak's lack of minutes.
The Swede has made 15 appearances and just 10 starts in 25 total games. Why? He's scored just twice and has registered one assist. His 0.47 Premier League xG per 90 is down over 40% from each of his last two years at Newcastle.
"Isak has played more games of Guess the Footballer than games for Liverpool," a fan wrote. "Isak got more minutes off the pitch than on it," another added.
The 26-year-old came off the bench for the final 12 minutes of last week's win against Brighton, replacing two-goal scorer Ekitike.
Isak started alongside the Frenchman in a diamond formation midweek against Inter Milan in the Champions League and was substituted by fellow underperformer Florian Wirtz midway through the second half of the 1-0 win.
Despite his poor form, Isak is still rated by his Premier League peers. When asked who the hardest player he's had to defend is, Tottenham centerback Mikey van de Ven told Sky that he would pick Isak.
“But this game Isak was different level, so at this point I was like, ‘He’s a top-class player,'" the Dutchman said, referencing a recent matchup between the two.
“He can run in behind, he can come into the ball, and, technically, he’s also really good with the ball. He’s fast, and he has a top finish. So at that point, he was literally just like everywhere.”
Isak scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle.
English (US) ·