Shearer: 'Rooney is the best in the Premier League'

When asked on Match of the Day who is currently the best striker in the Premier League, Alan Shearer's reply was instant and emphatic: "Wayne Rooney".

For Shearer, the Manchester United forward is a world class player with the perfect combination of physique and technique, of power and glory. And he should know.

The former England man was recently voted the best striker in the Premier League over the past decade, and he knows exactly what is required to fulfill that role.

It is no surprise then, that he says Rooney has all the qualities...and broad shoulders too, strong enough to carry his team's striking threat this season, after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer.

There is little doubt United were diminished by the sale of the man who provided the main goals threat over the past three seasons at Old Trafford. But it could have been far worse had not Rooney stepped into the breach

In fact, speaking after United's showdown with their great Manchester rivals City this week, Shearer offered the belief that the young striker is carrying his team at the moment.

"He is crucial to United, without him, they would really struggle. Their whole play revolves around Rooney, there is absolutely no doubt about that," he said.

"He is the best striker in the Premier League, for certain. He's a world-class player, and he is carrying United's threat.

"You can see the passion he has, and determination, and he has developed into a complete forward, who can lead the line on his own, which he has had to do on several occasions this season."

Shearer is particularly impressed by the maturity shown by Rooney, especially following Ronaldo's exit to Real Madrid.

This has been a difficult season of transition for United, with Dimitar Berbatov still failing to deliver on the huge promise of his impressive technique, and Michael Owen consigned to the role of permanent understudy.

It has meant Rooney often being used as a lone striker, with support coming from wide positions and midfield, as it did against City in midweek.

And Shearer believes that the forward has developed that side of his game to now become invaluable to his side.

"He's a specialist, his movement is incredible, and he's improving all the time. United lean on him heavily, and if he were injured then they would really struggle without him," he added.

"You look now, and it's set up completely around him. Whether they play two up, three up or one up then it all revolves around him, and at times it seems he is the only threat. They will be praying he doesn't get injured."

England fans will be thinking the same.

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