Eddie Howe has likened in-form Newcastle striker Alexander Isak to Premier League great Thierry Henry, saying he has the "speed, build and frame" of Arsenal's all-time top scorer.
Isak, who joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad last summer for a club-record £63 million, continued his impressive start to life at Newcastle with a "remarkable" assist in their 4-1 win against Everton.
Picking up the ball from halfway, the Swede dribbled his way through the Toffees backline before making his way to the byline and squaring for Jacob Murphy, who tapped home to make it four.
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The 23-year-old forward failed to find the net on Thursday night, but this certainly made up for it.
After the audacious assist, many compared Isak to arguably the greatest Premier League player of all time, Thierry Henry, who made a habit of embarrassing opponents with individual runs.
In fact, when asked about those comparisons with former Arsenal striker Henry in his latest press conference, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe agreed.
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"I can see the comparisons with Henry," he said. "Everyone is different, there’s no two players the same, but I think he has some of the characteristics that Thierry had. He’s certainly got the speed and is a similar build and frame.
"The footwork for the assist against Everton was truly remarkable really. The amount of turns and twists and step-overs he did, an incredible piece of skill. He has incredible ball manipulation."
Howe added: "I think he’s got a lot of potential to improve and get better, but it’s been a great start for him.
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"I don’t think you ever know with absolute certainty how good a signing will be. Anyone who says that would be lying, because until you work with a player and see them close up every day, you never really know what their true capability is.
"But we’ve been very impressed with everything he’s delivered to this point – not just technically on the pitch, but also his character and how he’s handled certain situations too. He’s been first class."
Here's how social media reacted to Isak's latest efforts for top-four hopefuls Newcastle.
One said: "Look at how Eddie Howe has managed and developed Isak from the start of this season. Getting a player like that to start delivering his best at the business end of the season is elite management! What a season Newcastle have had!"
A second said: "Alexander Isak is a Thierry Henry regen," while another added: "Eddie comparing Isak to Thierry Henry. This isn't hyperbole.....he genuinely is that good. If he keeps this consistency up over his entire career, we could be looking at someone who leaves a similar legacy behind."
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Thoughts on Isak's start to life in the North East?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Football Daily/AlamyTopics: Newcastle United, Eddie Howe, Alexander Isak, Everton, Thierry Henry
