Newcastle United are continuing to feel the effects of selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
That is the view of former Premier League defender Martin Keown, who has namedropped the £125million striker following Newcastle United’s loss to Marseille in the Champions League.
The Magpies were beaten 2-1 in France on Tuesday night, with Anthony Gordon starting up front ahead of Nick Woltemade.
The 24-year-old struggled to impact proceedings, but he was the only option to play centrally with Woltemade being rested. Yoane Wissa and Will Osula remain injured, much to Newcastle’s frustration.
But are Newcastle United missing the player who turned his back on them and downed tools this summer? Martin Keown thinks so.
Who was the most DISAPPOINTING Newcastle player vs Marseille? Martin Keown says Alexander Isak is a ‘huge loss’ for Newcastle United
Keown was asked about Newcastle United’s problems following their defeat to Marseille on the TNT Sports Champions League Goal Show.
He believes that Isak’s departure is the problem, despite the 26-year-old’s struggles since arriving at Liverpool.
“No Isak. I know he’s not really doing it for Liverpool but he looks a huge loss for Newcastle,” he said.
“Gordon looked sharp in that first half, but you need a specialist centre-forward with pace. It’s not quite there. It doesn’t fit them with their game type.
“Everything is about pace and counterattacking. Lots of big games for Newcastle [to come].”
Are Newcastle missing Alexander Isak?
Martin Keown on TNT Sports
“No Isak. I know he’s not really doing it for Liverpool, but he looks a huge loss for Newcastle.”
Newcastle United are still adapting to life without Alexander Isak
Since replacing Isak with Woltemade, Newcastle United have been forced to change their style.
In Isak, Newcastle had a player who could run in behind and cause problems with his pace. In Woltemade, Newcastle now have a player who is a focal point and can create as well as score.
The 23-year-old has a very different skillset to Isak, but one thing he does not have is the Sweden international’s blistering pace.
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
That is the key reason why Eddie Howe has had to change his side’s tactical approach. It remains a work in progress, but Woltemade continues to be impactful whenever he is on the pitch.
That was certainly the case against Marseille, with the Germany international’s presence leading to Newcastle’s best chances in the second half. Unfortunately, none of them were converted.
Given his actions, no Toon fan will bemoan Isak’s exit. The major issue is the lack of depth through the middle, with Wissa still yet to make his debut for the club.
It is not Wissa’s fault, but the decision to spend £55million on him looks more and more disastrous with each passing game.
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