Isak’s rise to the top

Alexander Isak has always struggled with the pressure of potential. As a 16-year-old, he became the youngest goalscorer in the league history of local club AIK and quickly established himself as a hot candidate across Europe. Comparisons with legendary compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic soon followed, but the pair could hardly have been more opposite.

Isak did not share Ibrahimovic’s brash, self-centered demeanor. Born in Stockholm to Eritrean parents, he grew up modest and introverted and eventually developed into the kind of player and person that Newcastle wanted to build their project around.

In 2017, Isak moved to Borussia Dortmund, a breeding ground for potential superstars, but unlike Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland, life in Germany didn’t work out. Coaches who worked with him recognized his abilities, but the player’s shyness prevented him from establishing himself.

However, a meeting between Isak and the then Dortmund reserves boss Jan Siewert helped him turn his career around. Over coffee, Siewert showed the young striker two pictures side by side – one of the player on the Dortmund bench, another of him smiling after his goal for Sweden. Siewert asked Isak what the difference was. Trust. After Isak expressed his lack of it, he began to feel more comfortable.

Read more of Harry’s article about Isak here