British record signing Alexander Isak has not done enough to merit a place in Liverpool’s starting lineup ahead of Hugo Ekitike, according to Wayne Rooney.
The Sweden international, who joined the Reds from Newcastle for £125m in early September, has managed just one goal in seven outings, versus Southampton in the EFL Cup.
Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United at Anfield marked his third consecutive Premier League start without finding the net, with Liverpool losing all three of those games.
Ekitike, who came off the bench against United, has been more productive with four goals to his name since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt, three of them in the Premier League.
"I wouldn't play Isak, he hasn't looked ready since coming from Newcastle," Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
"He hasn't trained, hasn't had a pre-season. It's so important. While Newcastle were training, he was probably sat at home on the phone to his agent for six hours a day, trying to get a move.
"It's so difficult when you don't have a pre-season. He might've done stuff by himself, but he's paying the price for it.
"On performances, he doesn't deserve to be playing ahead of Ekitike."
Liverpool’s loss to United was their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, signifying their worst run since November 2014 under Brendan Rodgers.
The reigning Premier League champions had opened the season with seven straight wins, but their performances have since lacked consistency over 90 minutes.
"They've got a bit complacent," added Rooney. "For Arne Slot, you forget because he won the Premier League, but he's still quite young — 46 years of age.
"This was the first time he's lost four in a row in his career. [Against United] he was arguing with the officials on the touchline, I haven't seen that before from him.
"We're starting to see things unfold which shows that there's pressure there."
vuaabdipu
0
I agree
EwaneJunior7
0
And you dare open your mouth to compare isak with haaland and even sometimes say he is better than haaland that’s crazy
Davichi
1
Rooney is right. For now Ekitike is the best option at CF for Liverpool but Slot seems to be finding it hard to bench Isak because of how much was paid for him and the drama that followed. Unfortunately for Isak, he missed preseason and I guess he didn't really try to help himself with personal training to be match fit. It's just like Mbappe in his first season with Madrid. When Isak comes up to speed, maybe he'd prove his worth.
rokbcmntuy
0
He doesn't. Wondering how someone was Branding this guys the same level or above Erling Haaland hahahah 😆 😂 🤣 very funny people
suaaekpu
2
Isak is a renowned striker, he's not fully fit yet. Isak and Salah need no lectures on how to score goals, they'll both return to top form soon.
Habcimprt
0
whats up with this Rooney guys telling coaches what to do
imagine him (Roony) doing that
Casbinuy
1
100% agree
ibreedsoccer
0
125 million 7 matches 1 goal against Southampton, lol,get Osimhen they won't listen.
I swear
Kizdersy
1
because the coach is not up to the tasks
Tukabcmstu
2
whats up with this Rooney guys telling coaches what to do
fkwsh
2
442 is the best for Liverpool at this time. Isak and Hugo then mid Witz, Gravenbeck, Gakpo and Frimpong At the back Sobo, Kerkez, Gomez and Van Djik
Wuwbcinpz
0
Rooney's coaching strategy is only in his mouth 👄,not on the pitch,the same for almost all Man u so called legends
[image]
he makes sense only if he's not in technical zone
Kisaceilty
4
and some people were saying he is better than Haland
AFerTwVC7098
0
Rooney's coaching strategy is only in his mouth 👄,not on the pitch,the same for almost all Man u so called legends
[image]
You think he is not making sense?
AFerTwVC7098
0
Rooney's coaching strategy is only in his mouth 👄,not on the pitch,the same for almost all Man u so called legends
[image]
You think he is not making sense?
Wuwbcinpz
3
Rooney's coaching strategy is only in his mouth 👄,not on the pitch,the same for almost all Man u so called legends
Williamslad
1
Maybe Isak will fire later but Slot isn't too wise in his signings.
Emchi
0
Why do people listen to Rooney who’s a failed coach?
some failed as a does not mean he shouldn't say the truth. Oh, now I see, you're happy as an Arsenal fan but not a football fan. Rooney is right!
yzi
1
remember when their started the season and everyone could only see an unbeaten season compared to the arsenal's one 2004, now they turned to beaten every week
Messibed
0
Poor form and shitty football is what get after you force yourself out of a team by going on strike
buuciklrsy
4
Yes thats true . He should bring isak second half
Saaemosuz
1
true
tuzabklpry
3
I'm with rooney this time
piubcnopsu
0
Why do people listen to Rooney who’s a failed coach?
Rooney is right
Grinfinz
3
Give him time he would still do well for Liverpool as is far better than Etikike
Yaobcdiklm
0
Why do people listen to Rooney who’s a failed coach?
I'm telling you
PrinceAbobyBlinkz
0
Isak is paying the price for going on strike, no training, no preseason, going on strike is not the best way to seek for a transfer now he's suffering from it
Urbanbigben
0
Why do people listen to Rooney who’s a failed coach?
Say what?? …You better listen to Rooney I think he knows one or two things about scoring goals
AFeroiRt3214
3
Give him time to adapt to Liverpool.
Tedbilmpyz
0
Ekitike should start before Isak , you can easily see the difference between them , he refused to play for Newcastle , forcing a way out to Anfield then Liverpool was forced to sign the Frenchman Ekitike who has been performing exceptional since arriving at Anfield and Slot decided to keep him on the bench for three consecutive games which Liverpool all lost , Chiesa and Ekitike should start , i might be an Arsenal fan but Liverpool should start Ekitike and win games
Respect you mate
Tedbilmpyz
1
very correct
bakbirstuy
4
Why do people listen to Rooney who’s a failed coach?
Fisabimnuz
2
Liverpool are able to play 4-4-2 isak and ekiiteke gakpo ,McAllister ,gravenbache, Sala ,coach need to flex team and formation
hezkoprsy
1
same mouths were saying they have the best striker in the world 😂
jembckmnuy
0
my thoughts exactly
Rvicky
3
True it is disrespectful to play Isak ahead of Ekitike yet he's done nothing in a Liverpool shirt other than the overpriced price tag to warrant for a start Ekitike has already shown what he's all about.
Lidbeklruy
3
Ekitike should start before Isak , you can easily see the difference between them , he refused to play for Newcastle , forcing a way out to Anfield then Liverpool was forced to sign the Frenchman Ekitike who has been performing exceptional since arriving at Anfield and Slot decided to keep him on the bench for three consecutive games which Liverpool all lost , Chiesa and Ekitike should start , i might be an Arsenal fan but Liverpool should start Ekitike and win games
Ajaytm00
3
isak should of just stayed at Newcastle 😂
fiuabclp
2
That's definitely 💯 👌 true Slot should be ashamed of himself cause he has Ekiteke scoring goals in almost every game he played and he put him on the bench for Isak who isn't fit and not scoring so he beg for Liverpool down fall and our defence is the worst in the league
AFerEMxA1316
3
Ekitike fit the Tactical system more than isak, so he should be always be starting
bueaiostz
0
Let me Laugh at Liverpool Fans 😂 These were not your words when buying these players!!
its not about potential,uts about confidence and form.
bueaiostz
2
100%
Febadmptz
2
Arne Slot must just pack and fly back to where he hails from rubbish overrated semi skilled coach, he don't to be a top class club manager at all ..Bull shit...
Weoabclmsy
0
One can say the same about Mainoo. Why are the other midfielders ahead of Mainoo?
He plays the same position as Bruno
Weoabclmsy
0
One can say the same about Mainoo. Why are the other midfielders ahead of Mainoo?
He is playing in the same position as Bruno, the captain and playmaker. That is his best position. In the Lpool game he replaced Bruno. So he is playing though not the first eleven. If Bruno leaves or is injured he is a ready product to replace him.
deejay_Henzoo
4
Let me Laugh at Liverpool Fans 😂 These were not your words when buying these players!!
nuzceknru
2
125 million 7 matches 1 goal against Southampton, lol,get Osimhen they won't listen.
mahbdemp
1
Rezailu
2
One can say the same about Mainoo. Why are the other midfielders ahead of Mainoo?
bonbdkotu
2
Isak is rubbish