Liverpool fans are still trying to make sense of it all — the record-breaking £125 million signing who was supposed to light up Anfield has suddenly become the talk of England for all the wrong reasons.
And now, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has thrown gasoline on the fire with a brutal assessment of Alexander Isak, claiming the Swedish forward “doesn’t deserve” to be starting for Liverpool ahead of Hugo Ekitike.
The timing of Rooney’s comments couldn’t be worse for Liverpool. Fresh off a painful 2–1 home defeat to Manchester United, the Reds are already under pressure, and the spotlight is glaring on one man who was expected to deliver goals — but hasn’t quite found his rhythm yet.
Rooney’s Harsh Words Hit Home
Speaking after the clash, Rooney didn’t hold back. The former England captain tore into Isak’s lack of sharpness, questioning his preparation and attitude since making the big-money move from Newcastle.
“I wouldn’t play Isak,” Rooney said bluntly. “He hasn’t looked ready since coming from Newcastle. He hasn’t trained properly, 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.”
Rooney continued his no-nonsense verdict:
“It’s difficult when you don’t have a proper pre-season. He might’ve done stuff by himself, but now he’s paying the price. On performances, he doesn’t deserve to be playing ahead of Ekitike.”
Those are strong words from one of the Premier League’s all-time greats, and they cut deep — especially when coming from someone who understands the grind and mentality required to succeed at the highest level.
A Reality Check For Liverpool’s Record Signing
For Liverpool fans, this is not what they imagined when Isak arrived with huge expectations and an even bigger transfer fee. The Swedish international, who was a star at Newcastle and one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers, has struggled to find his groove since joining Arne Slot’s squad.
So far this season, Isak has featured in 7 games but managed just one solitary goal — not exactly what you’d expect from a player of his caliber.
Even more concerning? Out of those seven appearances, only five were starts, and one of those lasted just 45 minutes. Simply put, he hasn’t been the difference-maker Liverpool paid for — at least not yet.
And with Rooney’s comments now echoing across the football world, the pressure on Isak to prove his worth is about to hit boiling point.
Isak’s Struggles: Fitness, Form, or Focus?
To be fair, there are explanations behind Isak’s slow start. Sources close to the club have hinted that his lack of a proper pre-season has affected his match fitness. Transitioning to a new club — especially one as demanding and tactically fluid as Liverpool — isn’t easy.
Slot’s pressing style, quick attacking transitions, and emphasis on off-the-ball movement require elite conditioning and sharp chemistry. Without a full pre-season, even a world-class striker can look a step slow.
But critics argue that for £125 million, excuses run thin. The Anfield faithful are known for their passion, but also their high expectations — and patience isn’t a luxury when you’re chasing trophies in England’s most competitive era.
The Ekitike Effect
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s other young attacking option, has quietly impressed since arriving. Energetic, fearless, and hungry to make a mark, the Frenchman’s performances have caught the eye of both fans and pundits.
Ekitike’s sharp movement, work rate, and confidence in front of goal have led many to suggest he’s earned a bigger role. And if Rooney’s opinion is anything to go by, he deserves to start ahead of Isak right now.
With Liverpool preparing to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, many expect Ekitike to be named in the starting lineup — a move that could further shake up Liverpool’s attack hierarchy.
Arne Slot’s Dilemma: Persist or Pivot?
Now, all eyes turn to Arne Slot. The Dutch tactician finds himself walking a tightrope. Does he keep faith in his big-money signing, trusting that Isak will eventually find his rhythm? Or does he ride the momentum of Ekitike, who looks sharper and more connected to the team’s tempo?
Either way, Slot knows time is ticking. Liverpool’s demanding schedule leaves little room for patience, and fans will want results — not potential.
But despite Rooney’s sharp criticism, insiders say Slot remains confident in Isak’s ability to turn things around. The Liverpool boss reportedly believes that the striker just needs “time, rhythm, and confidence” to show his true level.
Still, one thing is clear — Isak’s leash won’t be long. In the ruthless world of elite football, price tags mean nothing if performance doesn’t match up.
The Verdict: Make or Break Weeks Ahead
The coming weeks could define Alexander Isak’s Liverpool career. If he responds to the criticism with goals and consistency, Rooney’s comments will fade into the background. But if the struggles continue, the whispers could turn into full-blown headlines — and even threaten his starting role.
Liverpool’s attacking trio of Isak, Ekitike, and Mohamed Salah has the potential to be one of the most feared in Europe, but right now, the chemistry is off. The Reds need their record signing to step up, and fast.
For now, the debate rages on. Rooney’s words have struck a nerve, but perhaps — just perhaps — they might be the spark that ignites Isak’s comeback.
Because at Anfield, redemption stories aren’t rare… but they never come easy.
