Newcastle: £120k-a-week star not playing in 'best position' at St James' Park

Newcastle United summer signing Alexander Isak has not been playing in his best position, believes Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

While the 23-year-old is a striker by trade, Downie thinks he has looked better when coming in off the wing.

Newcastle are currently sweating on the fitness of Isak ahead of their Premier League fixture against Fulham next Saturday.

The former Real Sociedad man had to withdraw from Sweden’s national team squad after picking up an injury.

“It feels very sad to have to leave the team,” Isak said (via The Athletic) following his withdrawal. “I had longed to play in the blue and yellow shirt again.”

Since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in that record £60m deal, Isak has played three games for his new side and scored twice.

While Isak was bought to lead the line for Eddie Howe’s side, Downie thinks he actually looks better when he is starting from wide positions and drifting in.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Sky Sports reporter said: “I actually don’t think he’s playing his best position. From the bits and pieces I’ve seen of him and then just even watching him, he doesn’t, for me, look like an out-and-out No.9.

“I know that’s strange to say with the height that he’s got, but I think he actually looks more comfortable coming in off positions on the wing.”

It is something that he could explore, especially if he wants to get both Isak and Callum Wilson in the same team.

In the long run, though, it would be a bit of a surprise if Isak ended up as a winger, though stranger things have happened at St James’ Park, with forward Joelinton now playing as a midfielder.

The £120,000-a-week Sweden international has spent his whole career playing up front, being deployed there on over 200 occasions,