Liverpool manager Arne Slot could soon face a major selection headache, according to Wayne Rooney, with Hugo Ekitike potentially at risk of losing his place once Alexander Isak returns from injury.
Ekitike has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers this season, stepping up impressively during Isak’s absence. However, Rooney believes the dynamic could change significantly once the Swedish striker is fully fit again.
Speaking on his podcast, Rooney explained that Isak’s injury may actually have helped Ekitike establish himself as a key figure in the side.
“I agree. I think all season he’s [Ekitike] been Liverpool’s best player this season by a long way, I feel,” Rooney said.
“It’s almost a blessing in disguise, I think that Isak has got injured because if Isak wasn’t injured, then I’m not sure how Arne Slott would play it.
“Would he be forced into playing Isak? And then that means Ekitike gets moved to the left or he’s put on the bench.”
Rooney’s comments highlight the difficult decision Slot could soon face, particularly if both forwards are available at the same time. Liverpool invested heavily in their attacking options, and managing those resources effectively will be essential moving forward.
There have already been suggestions that Ekitike could be deployed in a wider role if Isak returns to lead the line centrally. Slot himself has previously hinted that the French forward is capable of adapting to different positions within the attacking structure.
Earlier in the season, the Liverpool boss acknowledged that Ekitike’s versatility could prove useful when fitting multiple forwards into the same lineup.
“Hugo could also play off the left in my opinion or maybe around Alex where Alex is more of a out and out is I think the way you say it out and out nine,” Slot said.
“He’s just the finisher of the attacks, could drop into midfield.
“But Hugo is yeah, maybe more a player that also likes to drop more in spaces coming off the left, where Alex I think prefers to be in the middle.”
With Isak nearing a return to action, Slot’s ability to balance both players could prove crucial in shaping Liverpool’s attacking structure for the remainder of the season.
