Those of you who were lucky enough to watch Zlatan Ibrahimović at Ajax will remember just how much of a force he was in the Netherlands. His power and height contrasted with his grace and technique, but it worked. One of the best young strikers to come out of Sweden since Ibrahimović is 19-year-old Alexander Isak.
Their similarities aren’t limited to nationality and position, though. Isak is similarly lanky and powerful, while also possessing the gift of a beautiful first touch and impressive technique. Now, the Dortmund prodigy is following in his fellow countryman’s footsteps by tearing up defences in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Context
Alexander Isak is on loan at Willem II (pronounced ʋɪləm ˈtʋe, or ‘Villem Tvay’ to the English ear), a mid-tiered Eredivisie side, from German giants Borussia Dortmund. The Swedish frontman is known around the continent by fans who are well-versed in their European wonderkids database. However, as Isak continues to grow, he is quickly on track to transform from a potential talent to one already succeeding on the big stage.
Willem II sold star Spanish striker Fran Sol in January after he tallied 13 goals in the first half of the season. Isak was brought in largely as a stopgap, as the Tilburg club expected their goals to dry up after Sol’s departure. But the arrival of Dortmund’s teenager has, if anything, improved the team’s fortunes rather than simply maintaining a mid-level of success.
Isak has scored an astronomically high amount of goals for his short time at the club. Ten goals in nine starts culminates in a goal every 84 minutes, something extremely hard to attain especially at a club that doesn’t dominate matches. Once more, Isak’s excellent scoring rate has improved Willem II from a 12th-place side scoring 1.5 goals per match into an eighth-place side scoring nearly 2.2 per match.
High involvement
For a striker in a side that doesn’t often maintain dominance over the ball, Alexander Isak has been extremely involved in Willem II’s play this season. When compared to Fran Sol, the striker who brought so much joy to the Tricolores supporters, Isak has been more involved in terms of dribbling, shots, and key passes.
While this doesn’t confirm the Swede’s superiority over the now-Dynamo Kyiv player, it says a lot about their respective play styles. Sol provided an efficient goalscoring presence. Isak provides that and much more.
One look at Willem II’s number nine and you have probably made up your mind: he’s a tall, lanky forward, surely he simply looks to latch onto long balls and score headers? Well, you’re right, but only partially. Of course, the teen is superbly athletic and his presence is certainly felt when battling opposing defenders. Isak’s involvement in midfield play is a huge part of his game as well, though.
We see here how Isak comes very deep when Willem II are playing Feyenoord. Context is key here; Willem are up 3-2 and are looking to prevent Feyenoord from having much of the ball. Isak realises this and, understanding his teammates aren’t looking for quick balls over the top, comes deep to provide an extra body in midfield.
Not only does this increase their ball-retention capability, but it also draws out a defender and creates space. Look at where Isak was when he was first positioned in the left-half space. There are yards of empty space for him to exploit if he can beat his man on the dribble.
