Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has been criticised by former England captain Wayne Rooney, who claims he doesn’t deserve to start ahead of Hugo Ekitike.
The Swedish forward is yet to score in the Premier League since joining Liverpool from Newcastle in a £125 million move late in the summer transfer window.
Isak started in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester United but failed to make an impact before being replaced in the 70th minute.
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Meanwhile, Ekitike, who came on in the latter stages, already has three Premier League goals this season, including one on his debut.
Rooney argued that Isak’s lack of pre-season preparation is still affecting his sharpness and overall contribution to the team.
Rooney Questions Isak’s Fitness and Readiness
“I wouldn’t play Isak. He hasn’t looked ready since coming from Newcastle,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
“He missed pre-season, which is crucial. You can’t replace those sessions by training alone or waiting for a transfer.”
“On current form, he doesn’t deserve to be playing ahead of Ekitike,” he added.
Liverpool have now lost four consecutive matches in all competitions, including three straight league defeats, reports Mirror.
Arne Slot’s side face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, with the manager facing a key decision over who leads the attack.
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