The “Greedy” Paradox: Why Wayne Rooney Blames a Liverpool Star for Alexander Isak’s Goal Drought
In the high-octane world of the Premier League, goals are the ultimate currency. When a world-class talent like Alexander Isak hits a dry spell, the vultures usually circle the striker himself. But Manchester United legend and all-time great Wayne Rooney has pointed the finger elsewhere—and his target is wearing a Liverpool shirt.
In a scathing assessment that has sent shockwaves through social media, Rooney didn’t hold back. His verdict? Isak isn’t the problem; it’s the “selfish” nature of a specific teammate that is starving the Swede of his clinical edge.
“No Striker in the World Would Score”
Wayne Rooney knows a thing or two about leading the line. As a man who transitioned from a explosive goal-getter to a creative playmaker, he understands the delicate ecosystem of a front three.
> “He’s the reason Isak is not scoring goals,” Rooney stated bluntly. “As a former striker, I can boldly tell you no striker in the world will score 20+ goals a season if he has such a teammate starting every game.”
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The “teammate” in question? Mohamed Salah.
While Salah is a Liverpool icon, Rooney argues that his evolution into a high-volume shooter who prioritizes his own angles over the “obvious pass” is fundamentally breaking the rhythm of the players around him—particularly when they are expected to share the offensive load in high-stakes international or hybrid tactical setups.
The Anatomy of the Accusation: Why Isak is Suffering
Rooney’s critique centers on the “Striker’s Tax.” For a player like Isak to flourish, he requires a winger who looks for the “square ball” or the “cut-back” once the defense has been stretched.
According to Rooney, the Liverpool talisman is doing the opposite:
* Tunnel Vision: Rooney suggests the player is too focused on his own Golden Boot tallies, often shooting from tight angles instead of finding Isak in the six-yard box.
* Movement Misalignment: When Isak makes the “sacrificial run” to pull defenders away, he expects the ball to eventually return to him. Instead, he’s left watching shots fly into the side netting.
* The Frustration Factor: “You can see it in Isak’s body language,” Rooney noted. “He stops making the runs because he knows the ball isn’t coming. That kills a striker’s instinct.”
Is the Criticism Fair?
To play devil’s advocate, the “selfishness” Rooney describes is often what makes elite forwards great. Salah’s record at Liverpool is historic precisely because of his relentless pursuit of goals. However, Rooney argues that what works in a specific system at Anfield becomes a detriment when paired with a pure “number nine” like Isak who thrives on service.
| Stat Category | Impact on Isak | Rooney’s Take |
|—|—|—|
| Pass Completion in Box | Decreased | “The final ball is missing.” |
| Big Chances Created | Lowered | “He’s shooting when he should pass.” |
| Shot Conversion | Stagnant | “Isak is feeding on scraps.” |
The Verdict: A Tactical Clash of Egos
Rooney’s “bold” claim highlights a timeless footballing debate: Can two Alpha-scorers coexist? For Rooney, the answer is a resounding “No”—at least not with the current dynamic. He believes that until the “selfish” playstyle is reined in, one of the Premier League’s most exciting strikers will continue to look like a shadow of his former self.
Isak has the pace, the touch, and the finishing. But as Rooney reminds us, even the best snipers in the world are useless if they don’t have anyone to provide the ammunition.
Do you think Rooney is right to blame a teammate for Isak’s form, or should the striker take more responsibility?
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