Alan Shearer names only three 'world-class' forwards in the Premier League

Former Newcastle United and England striker Alan Shearer has claimed that only three forwards in the Premier League can be labelled as 'world-class'.

Shearer, 54, is currently the Premier League's leading goalscorer having netted 260 times for the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle.

The former striker also scored 30 goals in 60 caps for England and won the Premier League once when he was playing for Blackburn.

Since retiring, Shearer moved into punditry and is a big part of the BBC's football coverage.

On Saturday night, Shearer named three Premier League forwards that he considers world-class when analysing former side Newcastle's 3-1 win over Southampton.

He said: "Shall we talk about (Alexander) Isak? Yeah, why not! Another magnificent performance. Everything about his game… this is so clever (Isak’s play to win his spot-kick).

"He’s in an offside position, but just watch his movement so that he comes to that position where he can receive the pass. He’s no longer offside. [Joe] Aribo goes up against him. He forces it, he makes the defender make a challenge and it’s without doubt a penalty."

Shearer continued: "I think there are three world-class forwards in the Premier League now.

"Haaland being one, Salah being another and I think Isak has played himself into that company now."

Alexander Isak has had a stellar season so far. Image: Getty

However, fellow pundit Danny Murphy said: "I actually think he’s got world-class ability but to call him a world-class player… I think he’s got to do it for longer."

To which presenter and ex-player Gary Lineker agreed, he said: "I absolutely agree with that. I think he’s definitely got the capabilities though. There’s no question about that."

Speaking after the win against Southampton, Magpies boss Eddie Howe was full of praise for Isak.

He said: "He’s been outstanding this year. Pretty much since day one he’s been a regular scorer for us and that’s no doubt helped his self-belief.

"His general confidence when he enters the pitch seems really high at the moment and that’s not a given. You have to earn that through your training."