Newcastle United fans may never forgive Alexander Isak for the way he left the club this summer, but they should thank him for one or two things.
The summer was dominated by Alexander Isak’s transfer saga. And yet, the Liverpool signing has come out of the whole mess in a bit of a worrying situation, with goals hard to come by at his new club.
If Malick Thiaw wasn’t your MOTM against Everton, who was?
Meanwhile, Newcastle United have had struggles of their own, but it’s hard to say they’ve missed Isak entirely.
Isak’s problems at Liverpool are well-documented, but one thing that doesn’t get spoken about enough is how his exit may have benefited the players who arrived at Newcastle this summer, like Malick Thiaw for example.
Malick Thiaw arrived at Newcastle without any pressure
Thiaw was a standout performer for Newcastle against Everton at the weekend, with two goals for the German centre-half.
Discussing the way he has settled in at Newcastle during pre-match coverage on Sky Sports ahead of the Newcastle vs Spurs game, Jamie Redknapp suggested Isak’s drawn-out departure may have helped take some of the pressure off Thiaw upon his arrival.
Redknapp said: “It did go under the radar, because of everything that was going on with Alexander Isak. It probably suited him. The pressure wasn’t on him so much. Sometimes you come in as the big name signing and all of a sudden that adds a bit of pressure.
“He didn’t have that and he’s been able to go under the radar. He’s an intelligent boy, he spoke so well, and with Woltemade there too, the two German boys, they’ve settled really well.”
Given Isak broke the British transfer record this summer, it’s understandable that no one was really paying attention to Thiaw’s own move.
Thiaw has been immense since joining Newcastle, and whatever the reason for his success, we’re sure Magpies fans are just happy they got their man.
Redknapp raves about Nick Woltemade
Meanwhile, Redknapp and his colleague Micah Richards had plenty to say about another new arrival at Newcastle: Nick Woltemade.
Redknapp said: “He’s been a revelation as well. The crowd love him. He’s got that lovely, languid style. And the crowd have taken him in. I really like the way he plays.”
Richards then added, “Don’t you think he’s got really good feet for a big man?” That comment led to comparisons between Woltemade and former Spurs and Liverpool man, Peter Crouch.
Nick Woltemade’s best goal for Newcastle United yet?! Best caption on what Jordan Pickford was thinking in this moment wins…
Redknapp replied: “I played with the ultimate big man with a good touch… But yes, Woltemade does wonderful things. No matter how high the ball is he can pick it out the air and bring it down. Peter was the same, similar players.
“They both could do more in the air, given their height. But Woltemade is quicker than Crouch was. He’s got those quick feet. I really like him.”
Indeed, Woltemade is getting better all the time for the Magpies, and he should only keep improving once he gets Yoane Wissa alongside him in the Newcastle attack.
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