Alexander Isak is spearheading a revitalised Newcastle United, propelling the team into the Champions League qualification battle with nine Premier League goals since the start of December.

At St James’ Park, inconsistency and a faltering attack had raised concerns about the team’s future, but seven straight victories across all competitions and a comeback to form for the 25-year-old Sweden striker have given Tyneside optimism.

In Newcastle’s stunning 2-0 victory over Arsenal in Tuesday’s first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, Isak scored once more. BBC Sport examines his rise to prominence on Tyneside. He scored 13 goals in 16 Eredivisie games while on loan in Holland with Willem II in 2019, however, he joined Real Sociedad to advance.

Alexander Isak scores his goal of the season.

And what a time to do it pic.twitter.com/ppwyMlPXmz

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Isak didn’t fit the mould of a celebrity, but his talent was undeniable. Not forgetting his roots or his principles, he reached out to his Spanish teacher in Sweden to express gratitude for assisting him in learning the language, and they ended up reminiscing about a class excursion to Barcelona.