Rooney claims striker shouldn’t be in Liverpool team right now | OneFootball

Rooney urges Slot to drop Isak as Liverpool form dips after Anfield defeat

Rooney questions Isak’s readiness for Liverpool

Wayne Rooney has urged Liverpool manager Arne Slot to make a bold decision and drop British record signing Alexander Isak following the club’s fourth straight defeat in all competitions. Speaking after Manchester United’s 2-1 win at Anfield, the Manchester United legend said that Isak’s form and fitness are not at the level required for the Premier League champions.

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Liverpool, who lifted the title last season in Slot’s debut campaign, have faltered badly in recent weeks. Sunday’s defeat, sealed by Harry Maguire’s late header, was United’s first victory at Anfield in over a decade. Cody Gakpo briefly restored parity for the Reds after Bryan Mbeumo’s early opener, but Liverpool again struggled for fluency and confidence.

The spotlight has fallen squarely on Isak. Signed from Newcastle United for £125 million during the summer, the Swedish international has yet to find the net in the Premier League, despite registering two goal contributions across all competitions.

“I wouldn’t play Isak, he hasn’t looked ready since coming from Newcastle,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show. “He hasn’t trained, hasn’t had a pre-season. It’s so important. While Newcastle were training he was probably sat at home on the phone to his agent for six hours a day trying to get a move. It’s so difficult when you don’t have a pre-season. He might’ve done stuff by himself but he’s paying the price of it. On performances, he doesn’t deserve to be playing ahead of Ekitike.”

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Fitness concerns and competition for places

Before forcing through his Deadline Day move to Anfield, Isak reportedly refused to train with Newcastle, instead keeping fit individually while negotiations dragged on. Since then, his adaptation has been slow. He has made three consecutive Premier League starts but has struggled to impose himself on games.

In contrast, Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s £79 million arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, enjoyed a bright start with three goals and an assist in his opening five league appearances. That early spark only magnifies Isak’s quiet contribution and strengthens Rooney’s argument for a change.

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Liverpool’s fluid attacking patterns, once their defining feature, have looked disjointed. Despite the significant investment of over £450 million across the summer, including high-profile arrivals like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, the cohesion that powered Slot’s title-winning side appears to have faded.

Slot’s challenge as pressure mounts

Slot’s first season was a triumph built on clarity and control, but this campaign has started unevenly. Liverpool have lost three of their opening nine league fixtures and sit third in the table, four points behind leaders Arsenal. For a side that has set such high standards, the downturn has been jarring.

“They’ve got a bit complacent,” Rooney added. “For Arne Slot, you forget because he won the Premier League, but he’s still quite young – 47 years of age and this was the first time he’s lost four in a row in his career. [Against Manchester United] he was arguing with the officials on the touchline, I haven’t seen that before from him. We’re starting to see things unfold which shows that there’s pressure there.”

Rooney’s comments underline a sentiment that has started to creep into Liverpool’s fanbase: the sense that the club’s intensity has dropped since their title win. Whether Slot can re-energise his squad, and whether Isak can rediscover his sharpness, may define how Liverpool’s season unfolds.

Next steps for Liverpool and Isak

Liverpool’s next fixture will offer a crucial opportunity for Slot to reset both tactically and mentally. Dropping Isak may seem drastic, but allowing him time to rebuild fitness and confidence could prove essential. The Swedish striker remains a long-term investment, but his integration will require patience and persistence.

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For Slot, balancing squad depth with form is now key. As pressure mounts from rivals and fans alike, his ability to make tough choices could determine whether Liverpool’s title defence regains momentum or unravels further.

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Rooney’s comments are difficult to ignore. While fans are unlikely to appreciate advice from a Manchester United legend, his assessment of Isak’s current form holds truth. The £125 million forward has looked out of rhythm, lacking the sharpness and instinct that defined his time at Newcastle.

Many supporters believe Isak will come good, but there is an acceptance that Slot may need to manage his minutes more carefully. Hugo Ekitike’s early performances show the energy and hunger that Liverpool’s attack needs right now. Temporarily dropping Isak could relieve pressure and give him the space to find his rhythm again.

The bigger concern lies with the team’s overall structure. Liverpool’s midfield balance and defensive organisation have dipped since the start of the season, and Slot’s challenge is to rediscover the intensity and purpose that carried the club to the title last year.

For fans, the hope remains that this rough patch is temporary. If Isak rediscovers his form and Slot steadies the ship, Liverpool can still mount a genuine challenge. But as Rooney’s words suggest, difficult decisions may be required to spark a response.