Gary Lineker offers his opinion regarding the classification of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak as ‘world class.’

Gary Lineker offers his assessment regarding the classification of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak as ‘world class.’Gary Lineker has contributed to the discourse surrounding the classification of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak as a world-class player.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 25: The Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

The 25-year-old ended his one-game goal drought on Saturday, netting a brace as Newcastle United beat Southampton.Alexander Isak successfully converted a penalty to equalise for the Magpies, subsequently executing a splendid finish that altered the course of the match.

The Swedish international has now accumulated a total of 19 goals across all competitions this season, with 17 of those goals being scored in the Premier League. Is Isak considered to be a world-class player? His colleagues undoubtedly hold that opinion. Sean Longstaff has characterised Isak as ‘world class,’ while Dan Burn expressed a similar sentiment at the conclusion of the previous season.

Recently, Alan Shearer characterised Isak as ‘world class’ on Saturday evening, placing him in the same echelon as Erling Haaland and Mo Salah. Nonetheless, Danny Murphy expressed a differing opinion during the discussion regarding Isak’s current status on the Saturday night edition of Match of the Day. Murphy stated that Isak has not yet attained world-class status, acknowledging that he must perform at this level for an extended duration.

Gary Lineker has been enquired whether he considers Alexander Isak to be of ‘world-class’ calibre. This position is one that Gary Lineker endorses. In the most recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker was enquired about his opinion regarding whether he considers Isak to be a world-class player.

“I believe it is somewhat premature to proceed in that direction,” he stated. “His record is indeed commendable.” If you were to state at this particular instant…However, he is undoubtedly progressing in the correct direction, and based on his current capabilities, he is indeed excelling. Currently, there exists no superior striker in the Premier League. Indeed, some individuals assert that Isak is the preeminent striker in the world.

A comparison of Isak with Salah and Haaland reveals a distinct disparity. Both individuals have consistently achieved an extraordinary number of objectives over several consecutive years. Mohamed Salah is currently in his eighth season with Liverpool Football Club, consistently achieving a remarkable record of scoring over 20 goals across all competitions each season.

Regarding Haaland, this marks his sixth consecutive season in which he has achieved an astonishing goal-scoring rate. Historically, Isak has been regarded as a tier below those athletes. At present, he is performing at an equivalent level and is on a trajectory towards becoming unequivocally world-class.

“Considering a world-class team, if we assume a squad of 23 players, as is customary in major tournaments, would you be included in that selection?” This is how I endeavour to substantiate the concept of being world-class. “I presume that if it were to be selected tomorrow, you would indeed proceed.” He would possess a genuine opportunity to secure a position within that squad.