Ekitike’s Emergence Creates Dilemma for Liverpool with Isak’s Return

Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz have collectively netted six goals across all competitions this season, making them the most prolific duo in the Premier League.

Ekitike’s outstanding form has posed a significant dilemma for Liverpool, particularly with the impending return of Alexander Isak from injury, as noted by former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney.

In a thrilling match at Anfield on Saturday, Ekitike, 23, scored twice, leading Liverpool to a comeback victory over Newcastle. This performance brings his total to 15 goals from 32 matches this season.

The French forward, who transferred to Liverpool for an initial fee of £69 million from Eintracht Frankfurt, has developed a strong on-field chemistry with fellow summer recruit Florian Wirtz, who joined the club for £116 million from Bayer Leverkusen.

Rooney expressed that the successful partnership between Ekitike and Wirtz complicates matters for Isak, who made a record £125 million transfer to Liverpool from Newcastle. The Sweden international, 26, had managed three goals in 16 appearances before being sidelined with a broken leg in December.

“I would be more concerned if I were Isak, watching from the sidelines,” Rooney stated on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, available on BBC Sounds. “His Liverpool career has yet to take off, despite the substantial investment. Meanwhile, Wirtz and Ekitike seem to have a fantastic understanding of each other’s play and pose a genuine threat.”

Rooney praised Ekitike’s second goal, comparing it to the instinctive strikes of Romario. “That little toe-poke goal was exceptional. He is the kind of player I enjoy watching. He doesn’t fit the traditional roles of a striker; he drifts wide, engages with the ball, involves his teammates, and can score. He possesses a versatile skill set that makes him a valuable asset.”

Stay tuned for the latest insights and analyses on Liverpool’s performance.