Wayne Rooney - The Emperor's got no clothes

[TaoistMonkey]

I would love Gerrard to go back. More media fawning to let us keep on going quietly, and should Klopp feel forced to play him he weakens their team..

agree. No way could he handle a pressing game.

 

[Riandor]

agree. No way could he handle a pressing game.

I dunno. Im sure he could slip into any formation

 

[Spursidol]

He isn't quite the player he was but he's still far better than most strikers in the league or even the world.

Bear in mind that he's been playing in a United team that stifles attacking intent.

If he signed for Spurs half this message board would piss their knickers with excitement.

I would agree that he's possibly suffering burn out from playing too many games too young but he isn't finished as a Premier League player yet. The days of 25 - 30 goals a season may be behind him but he can still be a very productive player and will probably win more trophies before he retires.

He's only twice scored more than 20 PL goals a season for ManU v Kane doing that in his first season in PL

 

[mano-obe]

He's been poor for a while, Fergie was dropping him for a while because of form but covered it up saying he was injured. He's been pretty mediocre for United for a few years now.

I'm not sure if it's United or Rooney himself. He developed at a very young age, at 16 he had as much muscle mass and strength as a player in their late 20's, maybe his body is in his mid thirties now? He started to lose that burst of pace at 27 when some players are at their peak.

Roy hasn't got the bollocks to drop him, everyone was shocked when Hoddle done it with Gazza. I think if Roy does do it I don't think too many fans would complain, but then maybe they'd want a player to look up to by bringing him?

Either way, Kane, Vardy and even someone like Deeny are all playing out of their skin, even Sturridge will be back to full fitness soon enough. We won't miss him, the last time he looked good in a major tournament we are looking back 2004

 

[nailsy]

He's been poor for a while, Fergie was dropping him for a while because of form but covered it up saying he was injured. He's been pretty mediocre for United for a few years now.

I'm not sure if it's United or Rooney himself. He developed at a very young age, at 16 he had as much muscle mass and strength as a player in their late 20's, maybe his body is in his mid thirties now? He started to lose that burst of pace at 27 when some players are at their peak.

Roy hasn't got the bollocks to drop him, everyone was shocked when Hoddle done it with Gazza. I think if Roy does do it I don't think too many fans would complain, but then maybe they'd want a player to look up to by bringing him?

Either way, Kane, Vardy and even someone like Deeny are all playing out of their skin, even Sturridge will be back to full fitness soon enough. We won't miss him, the last time he looked good in a major tournament we are looking back 2004

I'm not sure that you can drop him from the England squad entirely - his International goalscoring record is still pretty good, and I'm not sure dropping your captain just before the tournament is the wisest move as his experience and influence over the squad can still be beneficial. Personally I'd keep him in the squad, but I'd start with Kane and Vardy (or Sturridge if he can ever get fit and stay fit).

 

[Flynn]

His international scoring record in qualifying games is good.

His international scoring record in tournaments on the other hand is appalling. If have no qualms about dropping him

 

[Mr Pink]

For me he's been on a steady decline for the last 3 or so years. You see moments of class here and there but its all fading quite quickly now.

Rooney was a fantastic player but he peaked in his mid twenties - he should still be in his peak now, or just starting to come out of it. Honestly feels like he came out of his peak years ago which was way too early.

He'll start in the Euros but he shouldn't IMO, simply isn't playing well enough on a consistent basis for far too long now. Should still be in the squad but not starting for me.

 

[RichieS]

For me he's been on a steady decline for the last 3 or so years. You see moments of class here and there but its all fading quite quickly now.

Rooney was a fantastic player but he peaked in his mid twenties - he should still be in his peak now, or just starting to come out of it. Honestly feels like he came out of his peak years ago which was way too early.

He'll start in the Euros but he shouldn't IMO, simply isn't playing well enough on a consistent basis for far too long now. Should still be in the squad but not starting for me.

I agree with others that it's the age at which he broke through that has been his downfall. The same thing happened to Torres.

 

[danielneeds]

It's a combination of things - playing constantly since 16 (but then so have CR7 and Messi), he obviously hasn't looked after his body as well as other top players, and his natural frame means he is someone who is prone to putting on weight, and he'll find it hard to control into his 30s unless he's incredibly disciplined.

He's been a fabulous player - maybe not as exciting as his promise at 17, but you don't become highest scorer for your country and 2nd highest for United without something special.

I still remember his performance at the Lane when they beat us 3-1. Defoe scored an early bicycle kick and we were well on top. He then produced a remarkable perfomance, seemed like there were three of him out there, he tormented Hutton so badly I bet he still has nightmares now.