Jamie Carragher was full of praise for Newcastle United’s work in the transfer market after Alexander Isak ran riot over Aston Villa.
The Magpies put five past the visitors in a demolition job at St James’ Park on Saturday, repeatedly getting in behind Villa’s high line in the second half.
Newcastle’s new signings featured brightly, with £55 million signing Sandro Tonali giving the side an early lead. Harvey Barnes, who joined from Leicester City, came off the bench to set up Callum Wilson before scoring himself to complete a 5-1 victory.
But the star of the show was Isak, who joined the club last summer. The Swede scored a brace either side of the interval to give Newcastle their first Premier League win of the season.
“Newcastle’s recruitment has been unbelievable,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “Isak is such a fantastic player and a world star.
“He can score goals, he’s great on the ball. This guy can do everything. He’s a sensational player.
“You can tell from his interview, he’s so unassuming. I don’t think he realises what a fantastic footballer he is.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe also gushed over his star striker after the final whistle. He said: “Isak is a special player and he can do special things. I didn’t realise quite how good his second finish was until I saw the replay.
“He epitomised the team. We were really front foot again and tried to impose ourselves and take the game to Aston Villa and could’ve score more really.”
Isak has had injury issues in the past and missed several months last season due to a thigh problem. But the forward believes his body is in good physical shape.
“Yeah for sure. I had some trouble last season but I feel good now and got a good start me and the team. Hopefully I can stay fit and keep going this way,” he told Sky Sports.
