Arsenal: 3 reasons Alexander Isak is perfect for Gunners

2. Alexander Isak is Only Getting Better

Trajectory is so key, especially with players of Isak’s age.

As a keen follower of Swedish football (it helps having lived there for 14 years) even from his time with AIK the noticeable trait of Isak is that he has consistently improved year upon year. Dortmund didn’t quite work out for him, largely due to the timing of the move and the unsuitable fit, but he’s not looked back since.

Isak’s debut campaign in La Liga was a mixed bag. Netting 16 goals across his 45 outings was a strong return, yet only nine of those came in league appearances. Only just outscoring his xG that season (9 goals from 8.36 xG), he followed suit in the most recent campaign by nearly doubling his overall output for expected goals. 17 non-penalty goals in La Liga from 14.7 npxG is a very strong return and one that only shows signs of climbing next year.

Building on from 2019/20, Isak’s movement has improved dramatically, understanding space with trained eyes and believing in his own ability to shoot. That campaign he only took on 44 shots, a figure that has nearly doubled with him taking 81 in 2020/21. This is partly down to the broader range of shots he attempts, the result of work on the training ground and greater self-belief.

Fine-tuning each element of his vast ability, Arsenal would be getting someone with their whole career ahead of them who is growing with each season and improving in every department.

At 21 years of age there is plenty more to come.