It has been a tough 12 months for Newcastle United, but there has still been plenty to admire in black and white.
Three Newcastle United players made their England debuts, with Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall playing for the Three Lions. Elsewhere, Dan Burn has looked revitalised since shifting from left-back to centre-back under Eddie Howe.
But while those four players have had positive 2024s for Newcastle United, there is one player who sits above them as the Magpies’ best this year.
Newcastle United’s contenders for player of the year
There are a few players in the conversation for Newcastle’s player of the year.
Anthony Gordon definitely deserves to be up there for his efforts at the end of last season, but his start to the 2024/25 campaign rules him out of finishing in top spot.
Dan Burn and Fabian Schar deserve honourable mentions, especially given how much Newcastle have improved defensively this season. However, the Magpies’ defence was very leaky at the start of the year, which cannot be ignored.
Alexander Isak has been Newcastle’s best player in 2024
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United (14) celebrates after scoring Newcastle's third goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC...
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
There is only one player who can be considered Newcastle’s best of 2024, and that is Alexander Isak.
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Out of all the players at St James’ Park, Isak has played at the highest level for the longest period of time. That is even when you factor in his slow start to the 2024/25 campaign.
It has been a year full of goals for the Sweden international. His efforts almost guided Newcastle into Europe last year, with Isak scoring 13 Premier League goals in 16 appearances between January 1st and the end of the 2023/24 season.
January 2024 also saw Isak compete in his first ever Tyne-Wear derby, as he netted a brace in a 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Since then, Newcastle United fans always sing ‘who put the ball in the Mackems’ net’.
At the time of writing, Isak has scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 38 appearances in all competitions in 2024. Those numbers are outstanding, as Isak continues to justify the comparisons to Thierry Henry.
It is not just about the number of goals that Isak scores. It is also about the quality. Some of his finishes are spectacular, while he can also get scrappy, poacher-like goals. That is why Isak is ‘world class’.
Isak is the one player who Eddie Howe does not want to lose, and that sums up his importance on Tyneside. He is one of the best strikers in world football – probably the Premier League’s best after Erling Haaland. In truth, Isak has exceeded the giant Norwegian in recent weeks.
Newcastle United are incredibly lucky to have him, and must do all they can to keep him at the club for as long as possible. That means qualifying for Europe this season – ideally the Champions League.
He is Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, and continues to be worth every penny.
2024 was an outstanding year for Alexander Isak, and the hope is that 2025 can be even better. Newcastle think Isak can improve further, which is a tantalising prospect.
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