Ex-Man United striker Wayne Rooney says Liverpool face a selection dilemma when Alexander Isak returns from injury after Hugo Ekitike’s impressive recent form.
Ekitike scored twice as Liverpool came from behind to beat Newcastle at Anfield on Saturday, taking his total to 15 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions this season.
As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, the 23-year-old France forward joined Liverpool in the summer for an initial £69m from Eintracht Frankfurt and has quickly developed a strong understanding with fellow new signing Florian Wirtz.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sounds, the former England striker said the growing partnership between Ekitike and Wirtz raises questions over where Isak fits in when he is fully fit.
The Sweden international became the Premier League’s British record signing when he joined Liverpool from Newcastle for £125m, but has scored only three goals in 16 appearances and has been sidelined since December with a broken leg.
“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
Rooney also praised Ekitike’s finishing, highlighting his second goal against Newcastle. “It was instinctive,” he said. “That little toe-poke finish reminded me of Romario.”
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]