Wayne Rooney | 2007-10 Performances

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I dont think there is doubt any more. He's found what was missing from his game and is becoming a true master of his craft. He's the main talisman for club and country for a reason. I just hope he can show this form when the World Cup comes around.

Wayne Rooney is World Class!
 
My stream died for that goal. How much of a sex pass was it?

Didn't you see OT awash in white stuff afterwards ... that was the from the orgasms generated by the pass.

The interview where Rooney praised Capello for helping him learn to play more centrally and get in the box etc speaks to some of the transformation in his game.

He still doesn't deserve to be a lone striker.

SAF went on about how today's performance was better than Saturday against Hull, that his control and constantly being a threat by leading the line was a world class performance by him.

Certainly can understand why it is a better option for him to be playing higher up the pitch when paired with Berbatov.
 
it was a great pass but what about that pass against chelsea in the champions league final? When he's on song he's immense and you just hope he can keep it up
 
The pass to Giggs was simply out of this world.

Reminded me of his pass to Ronny after dispossessing Carvalho in the CL Final.

Seems to make the impossible pass look easy but fecks up a simple pass. He does this because NOBODY was around him in the first half. He over thinks what to do because of no support. Heskey anyone?
 
He wasn't very good today. He did one World Class thing, all be it a very world class thing. He is world class though yes...but it's still a knee jerk bump due to a 2 yard header.

The Caf is almost more spastic tonight than it is after our losses
 
Sorry, is this thread about whether Wayne Rooney is world class?

Unless by 'World Class' you mean 'as good as Maradona' or summat, the answer was yes seven years ago.

But he's lost his magic, apparently.
 
I think everyone expects too much from him up front on his own, or doesn't appreciate what he does up front on his own.

Thought he did his job perfectly, and produced a bit of magic along with it.

It's about time people realise Rooney's an excellent option as the furthest forward striker or the only striker.
 
Yet.

Trying to judge where a young player's best position is doesn't always work. Right now he's best in behind the striker but who knows in a couple of years.
 
This thread wouldn't have been bumped if it wasn't for Nani and Giggs. Two amazing crosses.

You really are simply the most clueless person i've ever shared conversation with in regards to a footballing opinion.

That ball to Giggs alone merits world class, and people STILL complain when he comes deep to get the ball.

In my opinion, in regards to the topic, he's a world class player, but not a world class striker... This is his time, we're chasing a league title, we've got a tough draw for the CL, he's got a chance to put himself on that pinnacle of footballer.

And in time for some random football tournament in South Africa this summer.
 
He's a world class player, but not a world class striker?

Ignoring the main part that confuses me, in that it doesn't really make any sense seeing as he plays as a striker...but what does he have to do to be called a world class striker?

He's scored 21 times in 26 games!
 
He's a world class player, but not a world class striker?

Ignoring the main part that confuses me, in that it doesn't really make any sense seeing as he plays as a striker...but what does he have to do to be called a world class striker?

He's scored 21 times in 26 games!

:wenger: Oh! That's intelligent!
 
He's a world class player, but not a world class striker?

Ignoring the main part that confuses me, in that it doesn't really make any sense seeing as he plays as a striker...but what does he have to do to be called a world class striker?

He's scored 21 times in 26 games!

Sighs Brwned, this is getting old mate.

He's coming into it, a World Class Striker, yes, he's not been a great striker since he's joined us, you can cough up goal statistics from all his seasons with us and they don't cry "World Class" which is why this debate even exists.

The comparison I commonly make is Torres...

- Torres is a world class striker because he has world class attributes in his position.
- Rooney is a world class PLAYER because he excels with his overall game.

Good now or should I go on?
 
Sighs Brwned, this is getting old mate.

He's coming into it, a World Class Striker, yes, he's not been a great striker since he's joined us, you can cough up goal statistics from all his seasons with us and they don't cry "World Class" which is why this debate even exists.

The comparison I commonly make is Torres...

- Torres is a world class striker because he has world class attributes in his position.
- Rooney is a world class PLAYER because he excels with his overall game.

Good now or should I go on?

You should realise I genuinely don't have any issue with you, in any way whatsoever, you just happen to have opinions that I don't really understand. It's really not a big deal, I'd have thought. I mean this site's made for debate, it makes no sense for you to be on here if you have a problem with your opinion being challenged.

I'd understand you saying it any other season, but this season Rooney's done everything you'd want from a world class striker - been adaptable in striking positions, been clinical despite not quite bringing the rest of your game together and doing it against a variety of teams.

I don't understand what he needs to do that he hasn't been doing this season to be called a world class striker?

If anything I'd say the vast majority of fans would say the opposite to yours, in that his all round game's not been at it's best but his striking game's been near-perfect.
 
I don't understand what he needs to do that he hasn't been doing this season to be called a world class striker?

Close out the season on this form and lift a few trophies, this is his first great season in terms of his goal output (So far), so I can't say he'd walk into a world XI yet.)

For the common perception, especially in the media, He's got it all set up for him... Leading United to something this season, on top of England glory, and he'll be world class to everyone and their grandmother.
 
Close out the season on this form and lift a few trophies, this is his first great season in terms of his goal output (So far), so I can't say he'd walk into a world XI yet.)

For the common perception, especially in the media, He's got it all set up for him... Leading United to something this season, on top of England glory, and he'll be world class to everyone and their grandmother.

TBF, he's got roughly 1 in 2 for United (keeping in mind many of those are sub apps and playing on the left). this is the first season he's playing in a more goal-scoring position (i.e. furthest forward - or like Torres if you will).

this hasn't been his best season with us, even now (i think Mockney's article on fancast is far more eloquent on the subject so i'll refrain from adding to that thought here)

btw, when did Torres ever lift trophies? not at Atletico far's I know :confused:
 
Is Wayne Rooney world class? Top ex-pros give their views on Manchester United's man of the moment...

DAVID GINOLA, 2018 World Cup bid ambassador and former Tottenham and Newcastle winger

'Rooney is the archetypal modern attacker. He is more than a striker, so he should not be compared with ‘strikers’.

'He marks his generation. He’s very polyvalent and a fantastic team player - a dream for any coach.

'He scores goals and is a real finisher. He has fantastic vision, too.

'I like the fact that he is capable of recovering the ball, too. If you observe his gestures during a game it makes you think that as well as being a striker he could easily be a defender. He ranks amongst the best strikers of today’s generation, alongside Ibrahimovic, Messi, Drogba, Ronaldinho,Pato, Kaka and Ronaldo.'



IAN RUSH, Liverpool’s all-time record goalscorer, 346 in 660 appearances in all competitions.

'I’d always looked at his overall play and regarded him as an all-rounder rather than a striker. His game’s never just been based on the goals he gets. I still think that even though he’s become more of a striker since Ronaldo left. He’s getting much more into the box now and that’s why he’s got so many goals this season.

'But it’s interesting that when he plays for England he’s looked on as the second striker usually playing off someone.

'He’s got just about everything. He’s powerful, he can head the ball, he can pass the ball, he can win the ball - and, of course, he can score goals. Also, importantly, he’s a winner.

'I agree with Sir Alex. Certainly, the form he’s in at the moment he’s world class. He’d be a massive loss to United if he wasn’t in the team.’
Ian Rush



LES FERDINAND, former Newcastle, QPR, West Ham, Tottenham and England striker.

'I said a few years ago that Wayne Rooney would be a scorer of great goals but not a great goal scorer. I now have to change my opinion on that! He is certainly in my top five. On current form I would put him top after coming to the fore as a centre forward since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure – who makes my list because he is much more than just a winger.

'Playing as the main centre forward, the focal point, has not always been Rooney’s game. In the past we have though of him as the player in behind who drops deep. But in the last year Rooney has blossomed as an out and out centre forward. The only reason why I have put Drogba and Torres ahead of him is perhaps they score more goals with their head.

'But Rooney is bringing that into his game as well now. If I was speaking to any kid that was aspiring to be a centre forward I would tell them just to watch Rooney. You know what you are going to get form him week in week out. Win, lose or draw you know them level of performance you are going to get from him.

'He is certainly world class. It the consistent level of performance that he gives you that puts him up there along with his ability. He is not just a goal scorer having in the past been more of a provider. Now he is the main goal scorer who provides goals for other people as well.'
Les Ferdinand



TONY COTTEE, ex-West Ham, Everton and Leicester striker.

'When of the biggest problems for Wayne has been where to play him in the team. He is such a wonderful footballer and when you have got such a talent you have to find the right position for them. Wayne has played on the left, behind the striker and up front on his own.

'He is pretty much like Roy of the Rovers, he has played everywhere. I didn’t think playing much further up the pitch would suit him. When he played there for England in the World Cup four years ago we all felt he couldn’t do it up there on his own. But he has proved people wrong by so wonderfully well in that role for United.

'We have seen him score the special ones from outside the area but that shows he can get the bread and butter ones as well. Perhaps, in a funny way, Ronaldo leaving the club has helped Wayne. Ronaldo is a world class player but quite often it was the Cristiano show. Perhaps Wayne though he had to up his game to compensate and he has done it fantastically well. His goal against City was a goal scorer’s header. He was in the right place to head form six-yards out and it is great to see him get those sorts of goals. When you see him do that it means he is more than capable of leading the line for England in the World Cup.'

'Wayne is certainly a world class striker but the definition of a world class player is one who has got the overall game, players like Pele, Cruyff and Maradona.

'If Wayne can put in the sort of performances that we all hope he is going to in the World Cup I think we will be talking about him not just as a world class striker but also as a world class player that can be rightly talked about in the same breath as the greats. Wayne has got so much more to his game than goal scoring, he has got the whole package and I just hope he shows it for England in the summer.'

Is Wayne Rooney world class? Top ex-pros give their views on Manchester United's man of the moment... | Mail Online

Quite the compliment he gets there.
 
He's a world class footballer, so good he'll do well even played out of position. Easily in the top 10 footballers in the world for me. He may well go on to be an excellent first striker but that's because he's just great wherever he plays.. in the same way he'd be an excellent left winger if his position was changed to that.
 
So some people agree with me...

'Rooney is the archetypal modern attacker. He is more than a striker, so he should not be compared with ‘strikers’.

'I’d always looked at his overall play and regarded him as an all-rounder rather than a striker. His game’s never just been based on the goals he gets. I still think that even though he’s become more of a striker since Ronaldo left. He’s getting much more into the box now and that’s why he’s got so many goals this season.

'Wayne is certainly a world class striker but the definition of a world class player is one who has got the overall game, players like Pele, Cruyff and Maradona.

'If Wayne can put in the sort of performances that we all hope he is going to in the World Cup I think we will be talking about him not just as a world class striker but also as a world class player that can be rightly talked about in the same breath as the greats. Wayne has got so much more to his game than goal scoring, he has got the whole package and I just hope he shows it for England in the summer.'

Thank you.
 
So some people agree with me...



Thank you.

You said Rooney is a world class player, but not a world class striker.

Rush said Rooney is a world class striker, who can be a world class player.

How does what Ginola said back up your opinion in any way, shape or form?

Sorry Searl, but Brwned made a good post above. Everything about his striking game this season has been almost perfect, whereas some of his flair and all round game has been sacrificed by him playing further forward. TO have achieved the strike rate he has this season and for you to still say he isn't world class is quite baffling. There isn't a striker in the league playing as well as Rooney right now.
 
Le Sigh,

You'd swear i'm rating the lad lowly... He's coming to his own, turning INTO a WORLD CLASS STRIKER... Instead of tearing apart the comments I make, figure out what I mean... The threat of stating an opinion on this place is sometimes embarassing.

Genola says what I said to a tee, he's a world class forward, a complete player, half the players he lists there don't even play striker, so if you will, degrade his comment, not mine.

What Rush said is exactly what i've been saying... "...Certainly, the form he’s in at the moment he’s world class." ... So how is he not saying anything that i've said any different? If anything, he proposes my opinion and puts it into the right words, sorry if i'm not a linguist to your ever so high stature.

Since when does one World-Class season merit you the title WORLD CLASS?... If that was the case, then christ almighty John O'Shea is a World Class Right-Back.

Just a few weeks ago Rooney was going through a big slump... And NOW all of a sudden it's "Defend Rooney, anyone who says a lick of anything that doesn't rate him world-class must be castrated"

feck me for having an opinion, I stick by it and I have merited why:

Rooney is a world class footballer
Rooney is not YET a world class striker

If he does this until May and in the summer and next season, then yes, the boy has reached the promise land... But until then it's alot of pre-mature press.

I'll be over here if you'd like to continue
 
In my opinion, in regards to the topic, he's a world class player, but not a world class striker... This is his time, we're chasing a league title, we've got a tough draw for the CL, he's got a chance to put himself on that pinnacle of footballer.

And in time for some random football tournament in South Africa this summer.

In no way, shape, or form do I say he's shite, like you guys seem to be claiming I am.

Maths:

World Class Striker = Form Now + FormxGoals (Jan+Feb+Mar+Apr+May) + Good World Cup
 
Le Sigh,

You'd swear i'm rating the lad lowly... He's coming to his own, turning INTO a WORLD CLASS STRIKER... Instead of tearing apart the comments I make, figure out what I mean... The threat of stating an opinion on this place is sometimes embarassing.

Genola says what I said to a tee, he's a world class forward, a complete player, half the players he lists there don't even play striker, so if you will, degrade his comment, not mine.

What Rush said is exactly what i've been saying... "...Certainly, the form he’s in at the moment he’s world class." ... So how is he not saying anything that i've said any different? If anything, he proposes my opinion and puts it into the right words, sorry if i'm not a linguist to your ever so high stature.

Since when does one World-Class season merit you the title WORLD CLASS?... If that was the case, then christ almighty John O'Shea is a World Class Right-Back.

Just a few weeks ago Rooney was going through a big slump... And NOW all of a sudden it's "Defend Rooney, anyone who says a lick of anything that doesn't rate him world-class must be castrated"

feck me for having an opinion, I stick by it and I have merited why:

Rooney is a world class footballer
Rooney is not YET a world class striker

If he does this until May and in the summer and next season, then yes, the boy has reached the promise land... But until then it's alot of pre-mature press.

I'll be over here if you'd like to continue

I think the problem people have with your opinion is that you're suggesting he still has to do MORE to prove himself as a world class striker, when he blatantly already is one of the very best strikers in the world. He has been a world class PLAYER for years. His all round game is fantastic. He has pace, power, vision, passing and a great long shot. Everything you want in a forward player and he's been the heartbeat of our team fr a good few seasons. Ronaldo took most of the plaudits for his goalscoring exploits, but his partnership with Rooney was breath taking a times.

This season he's played in a much more advanced role than he's used to. And you might even say it's not natural for him. still, he's cracked on with it and shown that his goalscoring rate can compete with any striker in world football. He leads the line well, he's a brilliant finisher and he has improved his heading, though that is one area that still needs work. As I said earlier, some of his flair has been sacrificed in order for him to take up the more advanced role, and he isn't involved in the build up play as much anymore and doesn't really dominate games, but that's because of the role he's been asked to play and he's doing his job as well as anyone in the league and possibly the world.

Wayne Rooney doesn't have to prove anything to anyone. he's a world class footballer and striker and has been for years. To suggest he hasn't is strange from a United fan. You would expect Scousers or bitters to say that, but United fans who watch him every week and know the class of the lad should be together in their praise of just how important he is to our team. You don't become Manchester United's most important player without being world class Searl, it's that simple.

And nobody has said you think he's shit, but you're not giving him the credit he deserves. I haven't "torn into your comments", I just disagree with them. I'm sorry if that surpprises you, but when you post your opinion on a forum expect a certain number of people to disagree with it.
 
Rooney's one of the few players that makes me laugh during a match, simply because of how good he is. That pass to Giggs was absolutely extraordinary - I didn't even spot that with a bird's eye view of the pitch.
 
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