Alexander Isak is at the centre of growing debate at Liverpool as the striker continues to struggle following his British-record £125m move from Newcastle United in the summer.
The Sweden international forced his exit from St James’ Park by going on strike but has yet to justify the fee since arriving at Anfield on deadline day, reports ECHO.
His disrupted pre-season, spent mostly training alone, left him behind the squad physically, and he has managed just one goal so far – scored in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
Isak made his first start in a month against Nottingham Forest, but another flat display has intensified calls for Arne Slot to drop him ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with PSV.
Despite this, Wayne Rooney insists the forward needs more minutes, adding that he would be “fuming” if he were Hugo Ekitike, who has outperformed him since joining in the summer.
Rooney backs Isak as Ekitike earns praise
Rooney believes new arrivals are under added pressure, especially replacing players who helped Liverpool win the league last season.
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He urged patience and said Isak simply needs a scrappy goal to regain confidence and rhythm during this slow spell.
But Mark Lawrenson disagrees, telling talkSPORT that Slot should bench Isak and restore Ekitike, arguing the Frenchman has been the better performer.
Lawrenson says Isak’s lack of fitness is clear, warning that training alone cannot replicate the intensity needed to compete for a starting role.
He added that Slot must rebuild Liverpool’s defensive stability first, insisting the team is “conceding for fun” and cannot progress without tightening up at the back.
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