It was an approximation, there's no doubt that he was MOTM on that night. For example he registered 9 successful dribbles in that game. Imagine him doing them not in the center circle or inside his own half but around opposition's penalty box. I think it might have led to goalscoring opportunities. Rooney's dribbling is sub par.
This not so novel idea might come to you as a shock but maybe, just maybe Rooney isn't the victim of the zombie malaise, but one of the culprits responsible for it. He lost his speed, almost never dribbles, passes sideways aplenty, loses the ball more and more frequently. A walking wellspring of creativity, isn't he?
Take a hard guess how would Özil fare in 4-4-2 playing in the center next to Fellaini. Pogba doesn't normally play as an 8 or 6. Rooney plays as a nr 10 for what, 5 years now. We know what he is capable of and it's not good enough.
Rooney occupies the most important role in the team that wants to challenge for trophies. That role is all about connecting midfield with attack. It naturally boosts his stats per se. Guy's had no real competition for it. He didn't record statistics close to zero because we're the most decorated club in England and actually have some talent at our disposal. Rooney was such talent and he can still put the ball in the back of the net. Thing is that it has to be put on the plate for him, just like that Bournemouth goal.
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