Wayne Rooney tips Hugo Ekitike to become Liverpool’s main striker

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has heaped praise on Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike, suggesting the French attacker has what it takes to establish himself as the club’s first-choice striker.

Ekitike was the standout performer in Liverpool’s recent victory over Newcastle United, scoring twice and stepping up in the absence of the injured Alexander Isak.

His display did not go unnoticed, with Rooney openly questioning Isak’s position in the team after the performance.

“I’d be more worried if I was Isak, sat there watching,” Rooney said on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.

Rooney highlighted the growing understanding between Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, noting that the duo have quickly developed an effective on-field partnership that poses serious problems for opposition defences.

“His Liverpool career just hasn’t got up and going yet. Obviously they paid a lot of money for him and these two [Wirtz and Ekitike] seem to have a real good understanding of each other’s game and they look like a real threat,” Rooney said.

The former Manchester United striker reserved special praise for Ekitike’s second goal against Newcastle, comparing the finish to that of Brazilian legend Romario.

“Ekitike’s second goal in particular was brilliant, it reminds me of Romario. “A little toe-poke goal, but it’s instinctive," Rooney explained.

Rooney also admired the Frenchman’s all-round game, describing him as a modern, versatile forward capable of influencing matches in multiple ways.

“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,” Rooney added.