Wayne Rooney: Alexander Isak Should Not Start Over Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool
Former England striker Wayne Rooney has expressed doubts about Liverpool’s record signing, Alexander Isak. Rooney believes Isak should not start over teammate Hugo Ekitike based on recent performances.
Isak’s Struggles at Liverpool
Arriving from Newcastle for £125 million in September, Alexander Isak, 25, has struggled to find form. He has netted only one goal in seven appearances, all competitions included, scoring only in the League Cup. Recently, he started three consecutive Premier League matches without finding the back of the net.
Rooney’s Perspective
Wayne Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, questioned Isak’s readiness. He highlighted the impact of not having a pre-season and the difficulties in adjusting to a new team. Rooney stated, “He hasn’t trained, hasn’t had a pre-season. It’s so important.”
- Isak has only one goal in seven matches for Liverpool
- Ekitike has scored four goals, three in the league
- Liverpool has lost four matches in a row, a first since November 2014
Current Liverpool Form
Liverpool’s recent defeat to Manchester United marked their fourth loss in a row across all competitions. This is a significant dip in performance for a team that won the Premier League title last season. Rooney noted that Liverpool started the season strong with seven consecutive wins but has since shown inconsistency.
Coaching Pressure on Arne Slot
Rooney also mentioned coaching pressure faced by Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot. At 46 years old, this is the first time in his career that Slot has experienced such a losing streak. This situation has led to visible frustration on the sidelines, with Slot arguing with officials during matches.
As Liverpool looks to regain their form, the decision on who should start—Isak or Ekitike—will be crucial. Rooney’s insights suggest that performance should dictate player selection, especially during tough times for the club.
