Wayne Rooney has suggested that he would bench Alexander Isak in favor of starting Hugo Ekitike after Isak struggled to make an impact in Sweden‘s forward failed to perform during Liverpool‘s 2-1 loss against Manchester United on Sunday.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot chose to have Isak lead the attack over Ekitike, who was left on the bench. However, Isak missed a golden opportunity in the first half when he was one-on-one with goalkeeper Senne Lammens, only to have his shot saved.
This means that Isak has yet to score in his first four Premier League appearances since joining Liverpool for a British-record £125 million ($171 million) last month. His only goal for the team came during a 2-1 victory over Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
“I wouldn’t play Isak; he hasn’t appeared ready since moving from Newcastle,” Rooney stated on his BBC podcast, ‘The Wayne Rooney Show.‘
“He hasn’t been training and missed a preseason, which is crucial. While Newcastle were preparing, he was likely home, spending hours on the phone with his agent trying to secure a transfer.
“Not having a preseason is very challenging. He may have done some training on his own, but he’s facing the consequences of not being prepared.
“Based on current performances, he doesn’t deserve to be starting ahead of Ekitike.”
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Harry Maguire‘s late header sealed Liverpool’s fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, placing them fourth in the Premier League after eight matches, trailing leaders Arsenal by four points.
“They seem to have become a bit complacent,” Rooney noted. “For Arne Slot, it’s important to remember that even though he won the Premier League, he’s still quite young at 46 – this is the first time he’s ever lost four games in a row.”
“During the match against United, he was seen arguing with the officials from the sidelines—something I hadn’t seen from him before. We’re beginning to see signs that there is pressure mounting.”