Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has been warned to be a growing threat by Wayne Rooney, who believes Alexander Isak should be concerned after the Frenchman's double in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United. Ekitike's brace took him to 10 goals in 21 Premier League appearances and 15 across all competitions this season.
Alan Shearer led the praise for the 23-year-old, describing his second goal as world-class. "The brilliance of Ekitike and Wirtz, particularly Ekitike, it hurts even because Newcastle were in for them but he chose to go to Liverpool," Shearer said. "The second goal is world class, and it's an old fashioned toe-poke. It was a brilliant finish."
The former Newcastle striker also highlighted Ekitike's growing understanding with Florian Wirtz. "We spoke to Ekitike after the game, I asked him about the partnership with Wirtz," Shearer added. "He was full of praise for him and he said when he plays with him, he makes a run and knows he's going to pass to him. There's a good partnership there."
Isak, watching from the bench against his former club, was seen smiling as Liverpool turned the game around after Anthony Gordon had given Newcastle an early lead. Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, said: "I'd be more worried if I was Isak, sat there watching. Ekitike's second goal in particular was brilliant, it reminds me of Romario. A little toe-poke goal, but it's instinctive."
Rooney described Ekitike as a player with "a bit of everything", while former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has likened him to Fernando Torres. The France striker was a key signing for Arne Slot's side after Newcastle had also shown interest, and his double against the Magpies underlined his growing influence at Anfield.
