Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes Liverpool manager faces a difficult attacking decision once Alexander Isak returns from injury, following Hugo Ekitike’s surge in form.
Ekitike struck twice in Liverpool’s comeback victory over Newcastle at Anfield on Saturday, raising his tally to 15 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions this season. The 23-year-old French forward, who arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, has quickly built an effective partnership with fellow new arrival Florian Wirtz.
Speaking on his television programme, Rooney said the growing chemistry between the pair could complicate Isak’s reintegration into the side. The Swedish striker, signed from Newcastle for a British-record fee of £125m, has managed three goals in 16 outings and has been out since December with a broken leg.
Rooney said Isak would have reason to be concerned watching Liverpool’s recent attacking displays, arguing that Ekitike and Wirtz currently look like a natural fit and a consistent threat in the final third.
He also singled out Ekitike’s second goal against Newcastle for praise, describing the finish as instinctive and likening the quick toe-poke to the style once associated with Brazilian great Romario.
