10 reasons by Wayne Rooney is world's best player right now
Since Cristiano Ronaldo waltzed out of Old Trafford in the summer, one man more than any other has stepped up to the plate to keep Manchester United at the sharp end of world football.
This season has seen Wayne Rooney finally fulfill his massive potential as Fergie has at last deployed him in his best position as a centre forward.
But is he the best in the world? Simon Mullock thinks so, and here's why:
1) He has scored twenty-seven goals for Manchester United in all competitions and is the runaway leader of the Premier League’s scoring charts.
2: He scored nine goals as England qualified for the World Cup Finals. England have lost just three of 25 games in which Rooney has scored.
3: Rooney is now a great goal scorer but is still a scorer of great goals. He is as much as a threat 35 yards out as he is in the six-yard box.
4: Now he has mastered the art of heading the ball, Rooney has got everything in his armoury. Right foot, left foot, pace, strength, eye for goal – and a burning will to win.
5: Both United and England are reaping the benefits of giving Rooney the freedom to express himself in his favourite position as a central striker. Yet he retains the versatility to operate anywhere in attack or midfield.
6: Rooney has captured the imagination of the nation. He is loved by United and England fans in equal measure. Even Evertonians must begrudgingly admire him.
7: Rooney is the one England player that the rest of the world genuinely fears.
8: Sir Alex Ferguson willingly sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world-record £80m. Fergie would not sell Rooney at any price.
9: He has single-handedly kept United in the title race, consistently hitting the heights while team-mates have struggled for form and fitness.
10: Rooney has learned how to harness his fiery temperament without losing the edge that ultra-competitive edge that makes him so special.
Do you agree with Simon? Sign in and have your say below.
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