The Magpies forward has impressed since his move from Real Sociedad last summer

Former Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique says Magpies frontman Alexander Isak, is a “top player”, and reminds him of the legendary Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swede has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, notching two goals in the opening encounter against Villa at St James’ Park, encompassing a poacher’s instinctual finish to turn the tide back in United’s favour, and notching another in which he beat Villa centre-half Ezri Konsa for pace and strength before dispatching a delectable dink over Emi Martinez, who was routed to the spot.

Ex-United full-back Enrique believes Isak is the complete centre-forward package, much like his country-man Ibrahimovic who has notched more than 400 senior career goals, leading the line for the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Inter Milan.

“I think Alexander Isak has everything”, he told Grosvenor Sport. “He reminds me a lot of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a way, he is at that kind of level and I love him as a player.

“He is a top player and if he is able to stay fit for the whole season, then he will definitely be a game changer for Newcastle. He can help them to achieve things that without him they would not be able to achieve.”

“The problem with him comes with staying fit. It’s more about him just staying fit because, and it happened to him at Real Sociedad as well, he always has one or two muscle injuries per season.”

Enrique has followed Isak’s career for a number of years, and recalled a game for Real Socided when the Sweden international really caught the eye.

“I have known him since his time at Real Sociedad and I remember once going with my brother to watch them live when they had just signed him.” he added. “Isak came off the bench, and after two or three touches of the ball I thought, ‘Wow! This kid has something’; he was only 19 years old at the time as well.”