According to Wayne Rooney, he would put Hugo Ekitke in the starting lineup and move Alexander Isak to the bench, following the Sweden international’s lackluster showing in Liverpool’s 2-1 loss against Manchester United on Sunday.
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, chose Isak to spearhead the attack, with Hugo Ekitike initially named among the substitutes. However, the forward was unable to capitalize on a key opportunity in the first half, where he found himself in a one-on-one situation against goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who successfully saved his attempt.
This means Isak is still seeking his first goal in his initial four Premier League matches since transferring to Liverpool in a record-breaking £125 million ($171m) deal last month. His only goal thus far for the club occurred during a 2-1 victory over Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
“If I were manager, Isak wouldn’t be in the team. He doesn’t appear to be in good condition since arriving from Newcastle,” Rooney stated on his BBC podcast, ‘The Wayne Rooney Show.’
“His training has been inadequate, and he missed a proper preseason schedule. It’s incredibly significant. While Newcastle was in training, he likely spent hours on the phone with his agent, trying to arrange a transfer.
“The absence of a preseason is a huge disadvantage. He may have engaged in some independent training, but he’s currently experiencing the effects.
“Based on recent performances, Ekitike deserves the opportunity to play ahead of him.”
Harry Maguire’s header in the closing stages condemned Liverpool to their fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions, placing them fourth in the Premier League after eight matches, trailing leaders Arsenal by four points.
“They’ve perhaps become a little too comfortable,” Rooney commented. “It’s easy to forget that Arne Slot, despite securing the Premier League title, is still relatively inexperienced at 46. This marked the first time in his managerial career that he has suffered four consecutive losses.
“[During the match against United], he engaged in arguments with the match officials on the sideline, something I haven’t previously observed from him. We’re beginning to witness developments that indicate the presence of pressure.”
