Alexander Isak shouldn’t start ahead of Hugo Ekitike says Wayne Rooney | OneFootball

Wayne Rooney has questioned Liverpool striker Alexander Isak’s (26) place in Arne Slot’s starting lineup, insisting the £125m record signing has not justified his selection ahead of Hugo Ekitike.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain criticised Isak’s sluggish start to life at Anfield, suggesting a lack of pre-season preparation has hindered his form. “I wouldn’t play Isak,” Rooney said. “He hasn’t looked ready since coming from Newcastle. It’s so difficult when you don’t have a pre-season, he’s paying the price for it.”

Isak, who joined Liverpool in early September, has scored just once, in a League Cup tie against Southampton, across seven appearances. Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United marked his third consecutive Premier League start without a goal, extending Liverpool’s winless run to four matches in all competitions.

By contrast, 23-year-old Ekitike has netted four times this season, three of those in the league, and has increasingly become a fan favourite for his energy and direct play.

Rooney also suggested complacency had crept into Slot’s reigning champions after their blistering start to the campaign. “They’ve got a bit complacent,” he said. “Slot’s still young as a manager, losing four in a row for the first time will test him.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle