Wayne Rooney has given a frank assessment of Liverpool’s forward line, singling out Hugo Ekitike as a “superstar” and urging Alexander Isak to prove he can meet Anfield’s demands.
The former Manchester United striker believes the Frenchman’s early form has already changed Liverpool’s attack, while Isak still has work to do to show his worth after a £125m move from Newcastle.
Ekitike arrived at Anfield in July after rejecting late moves from Manchester United and Newcastle.
He has quickly made an impact, scoring in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace and adding Premier League goals against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Everton.
Meanwhile, Isak is yet to find the net for the Reds in the Premier League, raising questions about who will emerge as the club’s leading striker.
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Rooney highlights Liverpool’s striking competition
Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney explained why he sees Ekitike as crucial to Liverpool’s season:
“I think the sending off to Ekitike was bigger than people think. I think he’s a superstar, he can affect Liverpool in so many different ways. Of course they’ve got Isak but I think that loss was massive.”
Rooney added that Isak’s pedigree is unquestionable, but stressed the challenge of adjusting to Liverpool’s unique pressure:
“You’ve got a real competition between two forwards, Ekitike and Isak. Who wants it more? Who’s going to score the goals, who’s going to create goals? Right now I would put Ekitike in there.
“Isak is proven in the Premier League that he can do that. But he has to prove he can do it at Anfield. It’s different, completely different.”
The ex-England captain highlighted the intensity and history that makes playing for Liverpool unlike anywhere else.
With Ekitike rested after suspension and Isak starting against Crystal Palace, Arne Slot faces a big decision for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray.
Reds fans are eager to see both strikers paired together at some point soon, a partnership that could reshape Liverpool’s attack for the season ahead.
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