British file signing Alexander Isak has not accomplished sufficient to benefit a spot in Liverpool’s beginning lineup forward of Hugo Ekitike, in response to Wayne Rooney.
The Sweden worldwide, who joined the Reds from Newcastle for £125m in early September, has managed only one objective in seven outings, versus Southampton within the EFL Cup.
Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United at Anfield marked his third consecutive Premier League begin with out discovering the web, with Liverpool shedding all three of these video games.
Ekitike, who got here off the bench towards United, has been extra productive with 4 objectives to his title since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt, three of them within the Premier League.
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“I wouldn’t play Isak, he hasn’t seemed prepared since coming from Newcastle,” Rooney stated on The Wayne Rooney Present.
“He hasn’t educated, hasn’t had a pre-season. It’s so necessary. Whereas Newcastle have been coaching, he was in all probability sat at residence on the cellphone to his agent for six hours a day, attempting to get a transfer.
“It’s so troublesome while you don’t have a pre-season. He may’ve accomplished stuff by himself, however he’s paying the value for it.
“On performances, he doesn’t need to be taking part in forward of Ekitike.”
Liverpool’s loss to United was their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, signifying their worst run since November 2014 underneath Brendan Rodgers.
The reigning Premier League champions had opened the season with seven straight wins, however their performances have since lacked consistency over 90 minutes.
“They’ve acquired a bit complacent,” added Rooney. “For Arne Slot, you overlook as a result of he received the Premier League, however he’s nonetheless fairly younger — 46 years of age.
“This was the primary time he’s misplaced 4 in a row in his profession. [Against United] he was arguing with the officers on the touchline, I haven’t seen that earlier than from him.
“We’re beginning to see issues unfold which reveals that there’s strain there.”