Next Generation – Isak breaking free of Zlatan comparisons as he proves Dortmund wrong

'Next Generation' is a series focusing on the young players tipped to establish themselves as the elite in the 2020s.

April 7, 2016 could potentially be looked back upon as an iconic date for Swedish football in future – Ostersunds were beginning their first ever Allsvenskan campaign at home to AIK, who started a strike partnership with a combined age of just 35.

As the haunting and ominous intro of AC/DC's 1980 classic 'Hells Bells' rang out around the Jamtkraft Arena, AIK's Alexander Isak – 16 at the time – took his first steps into fiery world of top-flight football, an often ruthless and brutal realm.

But, as Isak later recounted, the nerves were not really there and he took to his new reality with startling ease, scoring the second goal in a 2-0 win with a delicate first-time finish from a right-wing cross to make him AIK's youngest league goalscorer in history.

By the following January, having seemingly had every major club in Europe clamouring for the 'next Zlatan Ibrahimovic', Isak was a full Sweden international and joined Borussia Dortmund in a deal supposedly worth up to €10million.

But a little more than three years on, here he is, in the comparatively unfashionable surroundings of Real Sociedad. One might ask where it went wrong for him, but the evidence suggests it will be Dortmund left to rue their parting.

'A very determined young man'

Isak played just five Bundesliga matches – including a solitary start – for Dortmund in two years with the club. Although upheaval and the club's frequent changes of coach around that time will not have helped, it looked a mighty fall for a talent who had previously been a desire of Real Madrid, particularly when he joined middling Eredivisie side Willem II on loan in January 2019.

But for Janne Andersson, Sweden coach and the man who gave Isak his international debut, it is the striker's mentality that stands out – he was not going to let those struggles at Dortmund define him.

Speaking to Stats Perform, Andersson said: "He has a unique talent but also works very hard and is a very determined young man.

"We have to remember that Alexander is still a young player and I hope that he can improve in a lot of ways, and knowing Alexander, I'm certain that he will continue to improve."

It turned out to be a move that reinvigorated the teenager's career, as he scored 13 goals in 16 league matches, including a run of 12 in his first 12 outings. Romario, Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Luis Suarez – none managed such a feat during their formative years in the Eredivisie.

Although Dortmund failed to see that form as reason to keep hold of him, their loss has been La Real's gain – the Spanish side reportedly acquired him in a deal that will cost them a maximum of €7.5m.