Wayne Rooney analyses what made one Liverpool player’s moment so “fantastic” in derby
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Wayne Rooney has praised Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike for his outstanding performance in the recent Merseyside Derby against Everton. Rooney, speaking as a Match of the Day pundit, highlighted Ekitike’s crucial goal that secured Liverpool’s victory, describing the finish as "fantastic" and pointing out the striker's clever positioning and awareness during the play. This goal marked Ekitike’s third Premier League goal and helped Liverpool maintain their 100% winning record for the season, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with five wins from five matches.
Rooney’s comments emphasized how Ekitike’s movement took advantage of Everton’s defensive vulnerabilities, noting that the French forward cleverly exploited the deeper positioning of Everton’s Mykolenko and the slower recovery pace of other defenders. This insight into Ekitike's intelligent play impressed Rooney, a former Everton and Manchester United player, underlining the forward’s growing influence in English football and within the Liverpool squad.
Despite Liverpool's marquee signing, Alexander Isak, Ekitike has consistently been preferred by manager Arne Slot, creating compelling competition for the starting striker role. Ekitike’s goal-scoring ability and excellent link-up play have given Slot no reasons to drop him, which adds an interesting dimension to Liverpool’s attacking options and tactical setup.
This competition and strong performances enhance Liverpool’s squad depth and threaten to improve the team beyond last season’s achievements. Overall, Rooney's praise acknowledges Ekitike as a key player for Liverpool this season, especially in crucial matches such as the high-stakes Merseyside Derby.
PP