Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes Liverpool could face a selection dilemma once Alexander Isak returns from injury, following Hugo Ekitike’s impressive run of form.
Ekitike was on target twice as Liverpool came from behind to defeat Newcastle at Anfield on Saturday, bringing his tally to 15 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions this season.
According to BBC Sport, the 23-year-old French forward joined Liverpool last summer from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69 million and has quickly built a strong on-field understanding with fellow new signing Florian Wirtz.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sounds, Rooney said the developing partnership between Ekitike and Wirtz raises questions about Isak’s role when he is fully fit.
Isak became the Premier League’s British record signing after completing a £125 million move from Newcastle to Liverpool, but the Sweden international has struggled to make a significant impact so far. He has scored just three goals in 16 appearances and has been out since December with a broken leg.
“I’d be more concerned if I were Isak, watching from the sidelines,” Rooney said. “His Liverpool career hasn’t really taken off yet. They paid a huge fee for him, but these two clearly have a great understanding of each other and look like a real threat.”
Rooney also lauded Ekitike’s finishing, particularly his second goal against Newcastle. “It was instinctive,” he said. “That little toe-poke finish reminded me of Romário.”
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