Debating the Merits of Wayne Rooney

By: Nick | May 29th, 2008

After yet another so-so performance in an England shirt, some are questioning the merits of Rooney’s game.

For me, there’s little doubt that Rooney had a decent, but hardly spectacular season.

But he was injured for parts of it, so we should probably cut him a little slack. Thought I’d try to gauge the mood around here.

Is Wayne Rooney Actually Quite Rubbish?
( surveys)



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  • Ale |  May 29th, 2008 at 1:13 pm

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    I came across an Everton / United game from 2004 on FSC last night and Rooney was quite impressive against his future team.

    He seems to have fallen behind that form since though, but he still has his moments. I think Ronaldo makes Rooney less effective sometimes as well, but then again sometimes he sets him up… idk, a good player though.

    Posted from United States United States

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  • znon |  May 29th, 2008 at 2:06 pm

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    He has definitely not proven to be the goal-scorer that he once appeared to be although a very effective team performer.

    Posted from United States

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  • Bellaids |  May 29th, 2008 at 2:07 pm

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    Obviously he was overhyped

    But, he is quality. Fergie hasn’t played him in his best position for a long, long time now. It’s gutting, but all great players are expected to chop and change. Capello said its his aim to bring the “2004 Rooney” back.

    If Fergie signs a quality striker, Rooney can drop deeper and pick up where he left off in 2004.

    Posted from United States

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  • Rob |  May 29th, 2008 at 3:21 pm

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    I think he makes a difference in the same way that Giggs made a difference for years, United look a better team when he plays. I think there was a stat to that effect as well that all the games United lost this season – save for the Chelsea game where he went off after scoring while injured – Rooney didn’t play. That might not be totally accurate but you take the point.

    Posted from United Kingdom United Kingdom

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  • Nick |  May 29th, 2008 at 4:13 pm

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    For a player with his obvious ability, I just reckon he needs to find the net 20+ times a season.

    He’s good enough to manage that.

    Posted from United States United States

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  • Raji |  May 29th, 2008 at 5:51 pm

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    Obviously with injuries a player can find it difficult to be at his best, but lately he has just looked tired– as though he really needs a long break… Maybe England not qualifying for the Euro maybe a blessing in disguise for him.

    Posted from Australia Australia

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  • Mat |  May 29th, 2008 at 5:56 pm

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    I think he has started going too much in field to gather the ball and in the process losses too much vital energy and poise that you would have if you just keep roaming around the 18 yard box..(I don’t know if Fergie did this on purpose to feed Ronaldo more as his goal return/chance is much better than Rooney).
    I think Ruud van Nistelrooy made a very positive influence on him, he was such a good poacher Rooney could stay behind him/or his side depending on how the play develops..
    Its just so painful to see him running like a madman around the center circle..I think he needs to calm down first of all..his foul mouthing the ref is just claseless..and not run around the ball too much..it would help if Fergie bought some good poacher..
    and while we are at it as much as I like Tevez, he is just too much of the same as Rooney..and the fact that they can play together is just the fact that they are both good footballers..they are the same height, built, same closing down of opposition players in their midfield, same finishing, both can’t head..this makes it imperative for Ferguson to buy someone who plays really differently …Berbatov would be really good as he is taller and plays closer to the goal and can really head the ball good..but like every good thing on earth he is overpriced.. :D ..I would not mind bringing back Manucho…

    Posted from United States

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  • finnegan |  May 29th, 2008 at 8:26 pm

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    rooney isn’t rubbish but he is far from what we’d call a prolific goal scorer. but that doesn’t matter for united, because none of their forwards score goals regularly – luckily you have ronaldo to help with that.

    Posted from United States United States

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  • ish |  May 30th, 2008 at 5:28 am

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    actually considering the total game time he has played he has like 10+ assists and 10+ goals. Rooney didnt set the world on fire but alot of tevez’s goals were because rooney set them up, dont forget that many times he was played out of position. I think rooney is a great player but was eclipsed by ronaldo’s form this year. out of the two id prefer rooney in chelsea colours though…

    Posted from Australia Australia

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  • Mat |  May 30th, 2008 at 11:43 am

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    you won’t get anyone of these two in chelsea’s colors..ain’t gonna happen mate!

    Posted from United States United States

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  • norman jones UK fan |  May 31st, 2008 at 10:54 pm

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    He misses too many chances as far as I am concerned, he needs to denergise, he is far to tense, if he could learn to relax a bit more then the goal scoring rate will increase

    Posted from United States

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