Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has warned that Liverpool may face a difficult selection decision when Alexander Isak returns from injury, following Hugo Ekitike’s impressive run of form for the Reds.
Rooney said Ekitike’s growing understanding with fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz could complicate matters for the club’s record signing, Isak, once he is fully fit.
Ekitike was the star of the show on Saturday as Liverpool came from behind to defeat Newcastle United 4-1 at Anfield, scoring two goals against Isak’s former club.
The brace took the 23-year-old French forward’s tally to 15 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions this season, underlining his strong impact since arriving on Merseyside.
According to BBC Sport on Monday, Ekitike joined Liverpool in the summer from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69 million and has quickly adapted to life in the Premier League.
Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sounds, highlighted the developing partnership between Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, another summer recruit, describing it as a key factor in Liverpool’s attacking threat.
The former England captain said the duo’s understanding on the pitch raises questions about where Isak would fit into the team upon his return.
‘I’d Be Worried If I was Isak’ – Rooney
Isak, who became the Premier League’s British record signing after completing a £125 million move from Newcastle to Liverpool, has endured a slow start to his Anfield career.
The Sweden international has scored just three goals in 16 appearances and has been sidelined since December after suffering a broken leg.
Rooney admitted he would be concerned if he were in Isak’s position.
“I’d be more worried if I was Isak, sat there watching.
“His Liverpool career just hasn’t got up and going yet. They paid a lot of money for him, but these two seem to have a really good understanding of each other’s game and they look like a real threat,” he added.
The former Manchester United and Everton forward also reserved special praise for Ekitike’s finishing, particularly his second goal against Newcastle.
“It was instinctive,” Rooney said.“That little toe-poke finish reminded me of Romario.”
