Liverpool's record signing Alexander Isak has failed to impress enough to warrant a starting position over Hugo Ekitike, according to England legend Wayne Rooney. Despite his high-profile deadline day transfer from Newcastle, Isak has yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League, while Ekitike has already scored three times. Both have also netted in the Carabao Cup.

Isak was given the nod by Arne Slot against Manchester United on Sunday, but once again drew a blank. Ekitike was brought on for the final half hour of the 2-1 defeat, with the two forwards on the pitch together for just ten minutes and Liverpool's only goal came after Isak was replaced by Federico Chiesa and the Italian assisted Cody Gakpo. Sweden striker Isak had a limited pre-season and didn't feature in any matches for Newcastle prior to his £125m move to Liverpool. Rooney suggests that he is still struggling to find his form, partly due to his lack of preparation ahead of the new season, and indeed he hasn't been in top gear for his country as well as his club.

"I wouldn't play Isak, he...