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Wayne Rooney believes that Mohamed Salah won't be happy with the attention of the Reds' new signing, Alexander Isak.
The Swedish forward found himself at the centre of a summer-long tug-of-war with Newcastle after making clear his desire to join the Premier League champion, Liverpool.
His move was only completed on deadline day, when Liverpool and its top-flight rival finally struck a British-record agreement. Forced to train away from Newcastle’s first team during their pre-season preparations, Isak arrived at Anfield short of full match fitness and had to wait until Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid to make his debut.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Manchester United and Everton striker said: “Even though Salah has been the best player at Liverpool for years, he won't be happy that Isak has come in and is getting the attention.
"It's a matter of personal pride; he will want to be the best.
“When we (Manchester United) signed (Carlos) Tevez, there were lots of reports saying they were concerned that we couldn't play together.
"But as soon as we signed players, I used to think, 'There's no way he is coming in to take my place.' So that naturally gives you a lift.”
Rooney also pointed out that Liverpool is likely to have a carefully managed plan for integrating the Swedish striker, easing him into Arne Slot’s system rather than rushing him.
He added: “Liverpool will have a plan there for Isak. I can imagine that they will have an idea to get him in the team in two or three weeks' time, and then it's on him to keep his place. He will have known that he would not be playing today.”
Isak made his Premier League debut coming off the bench in the 2-1 win against Everton. He managed a few touches, but little else, as he continues to build up his sharpness.
On why Isak didn't start the game, Slot told TNT Sports before the game: "Normally when you don't play a player, I don't think there is any player that says, 'OK I understand your decision.'
"OK, maybe they understand it, but they may have made a different one themselves. I wouldn't be surprised if you ask him today, that he would say it's the best choice for him not to start, but of course, it is about match fitness.
"It was good to see him play for an hour in midweek; let's see how many minutes he can make today."
Liverpool.com says: There's no need for the concerns surrounding Salah. He and Isak will be crucial to Liverpool's success this season. If the pair can click, Liverpool could possess one of the most versatile and dangerous attacks in Europe
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