Shea Charles says Northern Ireland's players must learn from Tuesday's heavy defeat to Sweden. Michael O'Neill's young squad fell to a 5-1 loss at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm.
Newcastle United star Alexander starred and scored on the night, with the home side's other goals coming from Emil Holm, Benjamin Nygren, Ken Sema and Anthony Elanga.
Isaac Price bagged Northern Ireland's consolation in the 90th minute, making it six goals in his last five games for the West Bromwich Albion man.
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Charles told the BBC: "It was a tough night for us. It is hard to explain getting beat 5-1.
"But away from home, I thought we did some good things but we got punished for our mistakes. And that's what happens playing against that level of opposition.
"The main thing is we learn from it. In the Nations League we don't play against teams and players like that, so it's about knowing that you will get punished for your mistakes. We have to learn from that.
"I'd say tonight was a step up from Friday night. Sweden's front line is very good and some of the players they're bringing on, it is tough when you're already 4-0 down.
"Especially away from home it is very tough. We had a great following here tonight but the home crowd gave Sweden a lift tonight."
Northern Ireland will have two more friendlies before they kick off their World Cup qualifiers in September. O'Neill's side will continue their preparations against Denmark and Iceland in June.
"I can't wait for the next games. After a night like tonight I just want to get back out there, but we have to wait a few months," Charles added.
"But we'll have to wait for that and then go again."
Teenage defender Ruairi McConville agreed with Charles' assessment, and believes Northern Ireland will benefit from going up against a "top, top team" in Stockholm.
McConville said: "It is a disappointing night for us. Obviously playing against a top, top team.
"Michael just said it is something we will all learn from. We need to take the positives from it as well, but obviously there is so much in there we can learn from and hopefully we can bring it into the qualifying campaign coming up.
"I had a chance at the end of the first half. It is one I definitely should be scoring, and I would back myself to score in those areas.
"It is disappointing, because if it goes in it would have been 2-1 going in at half-time and it is a different game. But again, I will learn from it. It is a good thing we are getting those chances, and I just need to start putting them away."
McConville says taking on Newcastle star Isak - who was named Man of the Match and scored a superb fourth for the hosts - was a 'big test'.
He added: "They are the type of players you want to play against. And they are the players you learn from the most.
"Isak is a top, top player who is only going to get better. So it is good to test yourself against players of that level and it will only help us going into the next games."
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