Newcastle United were once again without Alexander Isak against Liverpool last night.
Thierry Henry believes Alexander Isak has “put himself in a situation” at Newcastle United due to not turning up for training.
In recent weeks, the Swede has downed tools and continues to train alone on Tyneside. Isak has not kicked a ball since May and once again watched from home as his Toon teammates valiantly fought against Liverpool - the club he wishes to join.
Eddie Howe’s 10-man troops were downed by a 100th-minute striker from Rio Nguhoma to sicken the St James’ Park faithful. Just as it did before the game, post-match chat immediately turned to Isak’s future.
Thierry Henry on Alexander Isak
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arsenal legend Henry - who Isak has been likened to - admitted he understands the striker’s willingness to move. However, the Frenchman cannot justify not turning up to training.
“I think the way he played last season, we come back to (Erling) Haaland but he’s (Isak) up there with the best striker in the league,” Henry said. “I think that’s why people are upset at Newcastle. It's kind of weird seeing it from afar. Myself, do I rate him? Yes, obviously I rate him. I think he's a great striker.
“But when you have a player in this type of situation, at a club where he wants to leave, it's because he’s good that people are getting upset. When a player is not good and a club wants him out, I don't see anyone crying for the player.
“So I can understand the fans and the club. I also can understand him. The only thing that I said, looking at everyone talking about it, you always put yourself in a situation as a player where people might not understand (your actions) if you don't come to training.
“This is something that's very difficult for people to understand. Do we know the whole story? No, we will never know the whole story. All I say is that at one point you cannot put yourself in a situation when you don't come to train.”
Jamie Carragher gives his say
Jamie Carragher insinuated Isak might be overrated due to a lack of strikers in world football at present. He said: “I think Isak is seen as a better player than he actually is because there's such a depth of great strikers around the world and in the Premier League. If you went back to Thierry's days, I think there would be six or seven Isaks in the Premier League, playing at the top clubs.
“But at this moment, as I said, there aren't many top centre-forwards out there right now. Newcastle know that. They've tried to sign so many. And for Liverpool, there's just one who they want. And I think that just tells you where we are with the central strikers in the world right now.”
Eddie Howe answers Alexander Isak question
Howe was asked about an alleged meeting between Isak and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who was in attendance last night. He replied: "I wasn't aware. Obviously, talks gave been ongoing on since Alex decided not to go on tour with us. I have concentrated on coaching the team. I have no update (on his future) for you."
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