Enrique: Isak should edge out Wilson as Toon's starting striker

Jose Enrique expects Alexander Isak to emerge as Newcastle's first-choice striker this season — despite the impressive form of Callum Wilson.

The duo are in direct competition to start for Eddie Howe's side having scored four goals apiece so far this term ahead of Saturday's game against Burnley.

But former Magpies star Enrique believes Isak has the edge.

He said: "I like them both a lot.

"If both players are completely fit and firing, though, I think Isak is a player that can become world class. I really believe that he needs to be first choice.

"Wilson can certainly still push him and sometimes deserves to start as well because he is still scoring goals.

"But Isak is by far the better striker, for me."

Dan the man

Enrique is also full of credit for Dan Burn, who has nailed down the left-back position in Howe's first XI.

The 6ft 5in defender has an unusual build for a full-back but the ex-Liverpool ace believes Burn is the club's most convincing player in that position since he himself left in 2011.

He said: "The reality is that he [Burn] is not one bit of a modern full-back.

"But fair play to him. He really deserves to play because last season he was fantastic and this season he has been fantastic as well.

"Maybe he doesn't have the qualities of other full-backs with the ball but he does everything for the badge, he leaves everything on the pitch, and these kind of players would always be in my team if I was manager.

"He is a threat going forward from free-kicks and corners, too.

"Obviously he's a different kind of full-back to me but it is the first time since I left the club that I've seen someone replacing me who is very, very good. I like him a lot."

Pressure on

Enrique, 37, believes that dealing with pressure is the key to a successful 2023-24 campaign for his former side.

Howe led the Magpies back into the Champions League and to the Carabao Cup final last term but their ex-star insists they cannot expect to recreate that success every term. 

He said: "In the Premier League it is very difficult to finish in the top four.

"Even for Liverpool and Manchester United, Arsenal until recently, it is very tough.

"Newcastle have a very good team, they make good signings every year, but they are still rebuilding and it's the first time in a very long time that they are playing in the Champions League.

"Suddenly you need to rotate your players and now the players have pressure. Last year they played without pressure because the top four was not expected."

But Enrique believes Toon are still set for a successful campaign.

He said: "Results were not good to start the season but I was always confident they were going to turn it around.

"I think Eddie is a great manager.

"They drew in Milan, which is a tough stadium to play in, and then they beat Sheffield United 8-0 and Manchester City 1-0, so they are on their way now.

"Overall I'm very positive about Newcastle this season."

Jose Enrique was speaking to LiveScore on behalf of Grosvenor Sport.