Wayne Rooney: Isak Questions Liverpool Striker Starting Over Ekitike
Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has raised concerns about Liverpool’s record signing, Alexander Isak. Rooney questions whether Isak is deserving of a starting position over Hugo Ekitike, especially after recent performances.
Alexander Isak’s Struggles at Liverpool
Isak, a 25-year-old Swedish international, transferred to Liverpool from Newcastle at the beginning of September for a British record fee of £125 million. However, since his arrival, Isak has struggled to find the net. He has scored only once in seven appearances, with his sole goal coming in the League Cup.
Concerns Over Isak’s Readiness
- Three Premier League starts without scoring.
- Ekitike remains more effective, scoring four goals for Liverpool, three in the league.
Rooney believes that Isak’s lack of preparation is hindering his performances. He stated, “He hasn’t trained, hasn’t had a pre-season. This is very important.” He indicated that while Isak was negotiating his move, he was missing vital training time that could have prepared him better.
Current Form and Team Performance
Liverpool has faced a challenging period, experiencing four consecutive losses across all competitions. This marks the club’s first such streak since November 2014.
- Liverpool opened the season with seven straight wins.
- Recent performances have raised concerns about their consistency.
Rooney commented on the team’s overall complacency, emphasizing that pressures are mounting on head coach Arne Slot. The 46-year-old has not faced losing streaks like this before in his career. Observing Slot’s reactions, Rooney noted the increased tension on the sidelines during the Manchester United match.
As Liverpool navigates this rough patch, the decision regarding Isak’s starting position remains pivotal. With Ekitike’s effective scoring form, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds moving forward.
