Garth Crooks names these Newcastle United players

6 months ago 40

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Garth Crooks has picked his best 11 performers from the weekend’s action.

The Premier League team of the week that have most impressed him.

Included in his top 11 are two Newcastle United stars from the Newcastle United 5 Sheffield United 1game at St James’ Park.

I have no dispute with which two NUFC players that Garth Crooks has chosen, however, I do take issue with one of the comments he makes on the second selection he makes…

Garth Crooks explains why he has picked out Dan Burn and Alexander Isak for his Premier League team of the week and then the full eleven are listed below:

Dan Burn (Newcastle)

‘Two very important tackles from Dan Burn kept Newcastle in the game in the first half against a Sheffield United side that for 20 minutes had the bit between their teeth.

Had the Blades taken their chances at St James’ Park they might still have a chance to stay in the division.

However, they lost their nerve as opportunities went begging and with it their faith in their ability to win this match. Once Newcastle took the lead the game was over.

Next season will be a pivotal moment for Eddie Howe and the Magpies. Newcastle will not be in the Champions League but they have proved themselves worthy of playing against the very best.

However, should England not win the Euros with one of the best squads in recent years then Howe must be one of the very few English managers who could take over from Gareth Southgate. Watch this space.’

Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

‘Newcastle United fans expect something a little bit special from their centre-forwards.

After all they have had the likes of Malcom McDonald, Kevin Keegan, Alan Shearer and Andy Cole and all have graced St James’ Park with goals – and plenty of them.

Alexander Isak may not go down as one of Newcastle’s greats but with 23 goals in all competitions to his name this season, he has certainly played his part in making sure the Magpies have recovered sufficiently from a very punishing season, and one where their exploits in the Champions League took its toll.

The Sweden international scored two goals in the 5-1 romp over Sheffield United that finally relegated the Yorkshire club with three games left to play.

One of those games is against Nottingham Forest, who are one point above Luton Town and fighting for their lives – and I will be expecting the Blades to do the decent thing and have a go.’

Just in case you were wondering, this is the comment I take issue with – ‘Alexander Isak may not go down as one of Newcastle’s greats…’

What is that all about?

Why can’t Alexander Isak become a Newcastle United great?

He has got massive potential to do so.

So far, he has started 40 Premier League matches for Newcastle and scored 29 goals.

That includes starting 23 PL games this season and scoring 19 (23 in all competitions), he is one of the favourites for the golden boot this season despite missing a number of games through injury and is only two goals behind Erling Haaland.

Aged only 24, Isak has his best years ahead of him, potentially another decade or so at the top.

He also has far more to his game than just goals, his ability to run at defenders and create danger, plus play out wide left as another option.

I would say that arguably, Alexander Isak is already the best striker in the Premier League. So just what he could he potentially achieve in the years to come at Newcastle United???

Garth Crooks Premier League team of the week:

Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Dan Burn (Newcastle)

William Saliba (Arsenal)

Josko Gvardiol (Man City)

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)

Idrissa Gueye (Everton)

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)

Michail Antonio (West Ham)

Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

Kai Havertz (Arsenal)

Stats via BBC Sport:

Newcastle United 5 Sheffield United 1 – Saturday 27 April 3pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 26 61 pen, Bruno 54, OG 65, Wilson 72

Sheffield United:

Ahmedhodzic 5

(Half-time stats in brackets)

Possession was Sheff Utd 41% (42%) Newcastle 59% (58%)

Total shots were Sheff Utd 14 (10) Newcastle 20 (10)

Shots on target were Sheff Utd 5 (3) Newcastle 7 (2)

Corners were Sheff Utd 5 (4) Newcastle 4 (1)

Referee: Tony Harrington

Newcastle team v Crystal Palace:

Dubravka, Livramento, Schar (Krafth 46), Burn, Hall (A Murphy 82), Longstaff, Bruno, Anderson (Wilson 66), J Murphy (Barnes 66), Gordon (Ritchie 82), Isak

Unused subs:

Karius, Dummett, White, Parkinson

(Match Report – A few more of these please before we hit the beaches in our new Adidas gear – Read HERE)

(I thought I was going to have a heart attack – Chris Wilder on Newcastle United 5 Sheffield United 1 – Read HERE)

(Newcastle United 5 Sheffield United 1 – Instant Newcastle fan / writer reaction – Read HERE)

(Newcastle United 5 Sheffield United 1 – How do you explain this? Read HERE)

Newcastle United matches now confirmed for rest of the season:

Saturday 4 May 2024 – Burnley v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 11 May 2024 – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)

Wednesday 15 May 2024 – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Sunday 19 May 2024 – Brentford v Newcastle (4pm)

(The final day of the season live TV matches will be selected closer to the day but all 10 PL games will be same time same day)