Wayne Rooney believes Hugo Ekitike has the qualities to grow into Liverpool’s long-term focal point in attack, likening the French forward’s instinctive finishing to that of Brazilian great Romário after his decisive display against Newcastle.
Ekitike struck twice in Liverpool’s weekend victory, delivering a timely reminder of his value at a moment when the club has been forced to cope without injured striker Alexander Isak.
For Rooney, the performance was not simply about goals, but about the authority and confidence with which the 22-year-old led the line on a demanding afternoon.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain suggested Ekitike’s rise should give Isak pause for thought.
Rooney argued that Liverpool have struggled to fully unlock Isak’s potential since his arrival, despite the significant investment made in him, while Ekitike has seized his opportunity with conviction.
Crucially, Rooney highlighted the growing understanding between Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, describing their combination play as a developing partnership that already poses serious problems for defenders.
“I’d be more worried if I was Isak, sat there watching,” Rooney said.
“His Liverpool career just hasn’t got up and going yet. Obviously they paid a lot of money for him and these two (Florian Wirtz and Ekitike) seem to have a real good understanding of each other’s game and they look like a real threat.
“Ekitike’s second goal in particular was brilliant, it reminds me of Romario. A little toe-poke goal but it’s instinctive.
“He is the type of player I like to watch. He’s not a number nine, he’s not a number 10. He drifts out wide, he gets on the ball, brings players into the game and he can score goals. So he’s got a bit of everything really.”
