Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer has pulled no punches in his latest critique, aiming his sharp words at newly minted Liverpool star Alexander Isak and current Magpie Yoane Wissa. Shearer, known for his no-nonsense punditry, has questioned the recent choices made by both players amid their summer transfers.
During the off-season, Newcastle made headlines by securing Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, aiming to fill the void left by Isak’s record-breaking £125 million move to Liverpool. Woltemade has hit the ground running, netting three times in just four Premier League appearances. However, Wissa’s debut for Newcastle remains in waiting as he regains fitness following a stagnant summer spell.
Complications arose when Wissa encountered setbacks during the last international break while representing DR Congo. Shearer has been vocal in suggesting that Wissa might have better served Newcastle by demonstrating stricter responsibility regarding his international commitments.
“It’s undeniably tricky for Wissa to consider skipping AFCON, given the pride associated with national duty,” Shearer shared in a discussion with Betfair. “Yet, considering his lack of summer training or play, exercising restraint in his game time during those recent international fixtures was an opportunity missed.”
Shearer’s remarks reflect a conundrum for Wissa, who must balance national pride and club expectations. “AFCON holds immense significance, and it’s a difficult call to deny players that stage. Still, many will argue Wissa is yet to debut for Newcastle and must show loyalty to the club that invested heavily in him. It’s a nuanced dilemma.”
Meanwhile, Isak’s career at Anfield hasn’t enjoyed the start he would have envisioned. His move, marred by transfer politics, has coincided with a sluggish form both domestically and internationally. Sweden’s faltering World Cup qualifying has left them at the bottom of their group, culminating in the dismissal of manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Shearer opines that Isak’s tumultuous summer contributed to his subpar start. “It certainly hasn’t been the beginning Isak dreamt of. With Sweden’s potent front three, including Gyokeres, Isak, and Elanga, failure to score is baffling; consequentially, the manager has paid the ultimate price. Isak’s inability to strike form at Liverpool due to fitness woes and the lack of match sharpness hasn’t aided his cause.”
Shearer’s candid assessment underscores the challenges and expectations weighing on the shoulders of Wissa and Isak in the Premier League arena. With keen eyes watching their progress, both players find themselves in the spotlight, tasked with proving their worth both on and off the pitch.
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