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The sight of a bloodied and bandaged Alexander Isak scrapping with Paris St Germain\u2019s defence signalled a new step in his blossoming career for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.<\/p>\n
Isak rekindled memories of Magpies warhorse Alan Shearer during Wednesday night\u2019s 4-1 Champions League demolition of the French champions when \u2013 after he had been left bleeding in a clash of heads with full-back Lucas Hernandez \u2013 he picked himself up and redoubled his efforts to spearhead the attack once again.<\/p>\n
Head coach Howe was delighted with the 24-year-old Sweden international\u2019s response to his midweek misfortune.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cEspecially in recent weeks, I\u2019ve seen a real desire off the ball from Alex to press, to work, to set the standards, really, from the front in terms of how we play off the ball and I think he\u2019s been terrific.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was not nice to see him cut and bandaged, I\u2019d never say that, but it was nice to see a response to it. He responded and worked even harder, so full credit to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Isak scored twice in his first three games for Newcastle, including a fine strike on his debut at Liverpool, but was then sidelined for almost four months with a thigh injury he sustained on international duty, although Howe admits even that enforced lay-off proved fruitful.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIt was a big change for him when he came to England because just the style of play and our style of play is different, so I think there was a period of adjustment for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I think probably what helped him, actually, was his early injury gave him a chance to sit back and watch the team and to understand the expectations and how we do things. Sometimes you can see that even clearer from watching.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former Real Sociedad frontman Isak, who is again likely to lead the line at West Ham on Sunday with Callum Wilson \u2013 like midfielder Joelinton \u2013 battling a hamstring injury, is the newly-enriched club\u2019s record signing with his fee eventually set to reach \u00a363million.<\/p>\n
But his efforts this week have been celebrated no more than those of defender Fabian Schar, whose \u00a33m price tag when he joined the club from Deportivo la Coruna in July 2018, is starting to look like a spectacular bargain.<\/p>\n
Schar\u2019s form under Howe has been superb and the 31-year-old capped a fine defensive display against PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe and company with a stunning injury-time strike from distance.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CyA37OPNdcW<\/p>\n
Howe said: \u201cIt\u2019s not about price because that\u2019s only what someone pays and what someone agrees to receive for the player. He\u2019s just been excellent, he really has.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a conventional centre-half\u2019s finish that, it\u2019s a centre-forward\u2019s finish, really. But he has the capability to produce moments that take your breath away. Technically he is so good.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf he was starting his career now, he\u2019d be worth an absolute fortune. He\u2019s a top player and I\u2019m really pleased that he\u2019s getting the consistency and the accolades for his performances.\u201d<\/p>\n