Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland have taken the Premier League by storm, sparking endless debates about who holds the upper hand. They’re still both young, score for fun, and command huge fan followings. Yet there’s no simple answer to the question of who’s better.
It could be a stylistic choice. At the moment, it’s hard to shy away from Isak’s all-around play that seems to outshine Haaland’s raw firepower.
Comparisons don’t sway Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who said at the start of the year: “That’s not something I waste my time on. I just want to try to push him for more. His game is in a good place at the moment. He has all the ingredients.”
Could Alexander Isak dethrone Erling Haaland as the league’s top striker?
Isak’s recent streak, with 12 goals in 13 outings, has sparked Jamie Carragher to call him the best striker in the league. He arrived from Real Sociedad for about $73 million and earns around $175,000 a week. Those are big numbers, but he’s already become a crucial piece of Newcastle’s future.
Alan Shearer believes Isak can be mentioned “in the same breath” as Haaland and Mohamed Salah. Even Isak himself has ambitions to expand his range. “I try to watch football and take different things from different players,” he said. “I want to be a threat in every part of the game and every part of the pitch,” said Isaak last November amid transfer specuation.
Haaland, meanwhile, remains a phenomenon. His debut season for Manchester City was a masterclass in finishing. This year, he’s been quieter, yet he’s still on pace to easily clear 20 league goals. There’s also no denying his physical gifts and nose for goal. Haaland relies on service, but he’s almost impossible to stop when he gets it. That said, questions linger about City’s changing tactics and whether they suit his style.
| Competition | Alexander Isak (Newcastle) | Erling Haaland (Man City) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Mins | Apps | Goals | Assists | Mins | |
| Premier League | 22 | 17 | 5 | 1,807 | 24 | 19 | 2 | 2,127 |
| All Other Competitions | 5 | 2 | 0 | 382 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 772 |
| 2024/25 Total | 27 | 19 | 5 | 2,189 | 33 | 25 | 2 | 2,899 |
Some value Isak’s flair. Others favor Haaland’s single-minded hunger for scoring. Isak’s versatility could tip the scales for those who want a forward who drops deep, creates chances, and links up play. Haaland’s straightforward approach appeals to anyone who prizes goals above all else.
It’s tempting to demand a clear winner, but these two strikers excel in their own ways. They’re certainly changing how we discuss the perfect forward. As the season unfolds, the debate rages on.
