Rooney urges Slot to drop Isak as Liverpool type dips after Anfield defeatRooney questions Isak’s readiness for Liverpool
Wayne Rooney has urged Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot to make a daring resolution and drop British document signing Alexander Isak following the membership’s fourth straight defeat in all competitions. Talking after Manchester United’s 2-1 win at Anfield, the Manchester United legend mentioned that Isak’s type and health are usually not on the degree required for the Premier League champions.
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Liverpool, who lifted the title final season in Slot’s debut marketing campaign, have faltered badly in current weeks. Sunday’s defeat, sealed by Harry Maguire’s late header, was United’s first victory at Anfield in over a decade. Cody Gakpo briefly restored parity for the Reds after Bryan Mbeumo’s early opener, however Liverpool once more struggled for fluency and confidence.
The highlight has fallen squarely on Isak. Signed from Newcastle United for £125 million through the summer time, the Swedish worldwide has but to search out the web within the Premier League, regardless of registering two purpose contributions throughout all competitions.
“I wouldn’t play Isak, he hasn’t regarded prepared since coming from Newcastle,” Rooney mentioned on The Wayne Rooney Present. “He hasn’t educated, hasn’t had a pre-season. It’s so vital. Whereas Newcastle had been coaching he was most likely sat at house on the cellphone to his agent for six hours a day attempting to get a transfer. It’s so troublesome once you don’t have a pre-season. He would possibly’ve executed stuff by himself however he’s paying the value of it. On performances, he doesn’t should be enjoying forward of Ekitike.”
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Health considerations and competitors for locations
Earlier than forcing by his Deadline Day transfer to Anfield, Isak reportedly refused to coach with Newcastle, as a substitute protecting match individually whereas negotiations dragged on. Since then, his adaptation has been sluggish. He has made three consecutive Premier League begins however has struggled to impose himself on video games.
In distinction, Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s £79 million arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, loved a brilliant begin with three targets and an help in his opening 5 league appearances. That early spark solely magnifies Isak’s quiet contribution and strengthens Rooney’s argument for a change.
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Liverpool’s fluid attacking patterns, as soon as their defining characteristic, have regarded disjointed. Regardless of the numerous funding of over £450 million throughout the summer time, together with high-profile arrivals like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, the cohesion that powered Slot’s title-winning facet seems to have light.
Slot’s problem as strain mounts
Slot’s first season was a triumph constructed on readability and management, however this marketing campaign has began erratically. Liverpool have misplaced three of their opening 9 league fixtures and sit third within the desk, 4 factors behind leaders Arsenal. For a facet that has set such excessive requirements, the downturn has been jarring.
“They’ve received a bit complacent,” Rooney added. “For Arne Slot, you neglect as a result of he received the Premier League, however he’s nonetheless fairly younger – 47 years of age and this was the primary time he’s misplaced 4 in a row in his profession. [Against Manchester United] he was arguing with the officers on the touchline, I haven’t seen that earlier than from him. We’re beginning to see issues unfold which exhibits that there’s strain there.”
Rooney’s feedback underline a sentiment that has began to creep into Liverpool’s fanbase: the sense that the membership’s depth has dropped since their title win. Whether or not Slot can re-energise his squad, and whether or not Isak can rediscover his sharpness, could outline how Liverpool’s season unfolds.
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Subsequent steps for Liverpool and Isak
Liverpool’s subsequent fixture will provide an important alternative for Slot to reset each tactically and mentally. Dropping Isak could appear drastic, however permitting him time to rebuild health and confidence may show important. The Swedish striker stays a long-term funding, however his integration would require endurance and persistence.
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For Slot, balancing squad depth with type is now key. As strain mounts from rivals and followers alike, his potential to make powerful decisions may decide whether or not Liverpool’s title defence regains momentum or unravels additional.
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Rooney’s feedback are troublesome to disregard. Whereas followers are unlikely to understand recommendation from a Manchester United legend, his evaluation of Isak’s present type holds fact. The £125 million ahead has regarded out of rhythm, missing the sharpness and intuition that outlined his time at Newcastle.
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Many supporters consider Isak will come good, however there may be an acceptance that Slot could have to handle his minutes extra rigorously. Hugo Ekitike’s early performances present the power and starvation that Liverpool’s assault wants proper now. Quickly dropping Isak may relieve strain and provides him the house to search out his rhythm once more.
The larger concern lies with the staff’s general construction. Liverpool’s midfield stability and defensive organisation have dipped for the reason that begin of the season, and Slot’s problem is to rediscover the depth and goal that carried the membership to the title final 12 months.
For followers, the hope stays that this tough patch is non permanent. If Isak rediscovers his type and Slot steadies the ship, Liverpool can nonetheless mount a real problem. However as Rooney’s phrases counsel, troublesome choices could also be required to spark a response.