Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney believes Hugo Ekitike is a superstar and has told Alexander Isak he needs to show he is as good as the Frenchman at Liverpool. The Reds completed the signing of Ekitike back in July after the striker snubbed late interest from Manchester United.

And the France international, who also could have moved to Newcastle United this summer, has made a flying start to life in England. After scoring in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, the 23-year-old has scored against Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Everton in the Premier League.

However, he missed his side’s first defeat of the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday after he was sent off against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

And reacting to the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Palace, Rooney said: “I think the sending off to Ekitike was bigger than people think.

“I think he’s a superstar, he can affect Liverpool in so many...