Tagged: Wayne Rooney

Why Wayne Rooney Must Reinvent Himself as a Midfield Playmaker | Bleacher Report

Why Wayne Rooney Must Reinvent Himself as a Midfield Playmaker | Bleacher Report

It’s understandable that Rooney will have trouble against teams pressing him as he finally starts the transition to midfielder in earnest. I think he could do well enough against bigger teams in time and with the right partner. I do think he’d be better off in a deeper role than as a No. 10 as when he’s fully fit he has the workrate the likes of Fabregas lack. He could look to emulate Scholes but I guess we’ll see how things turn out

Rooney’s future lies in central midfield and not just under Van Gaal

 

England captain Wayne Rooney poses a big question for Roy Hodgson | Paul Wilson | Football | The Guardian

England captain Wayne Rooney poses a big question for Roy Hodgson | Paul Wilson | Football | The Guardian

I think Hodgson will find a way to fit Rooney into the side, especially if really is considering bringing Jack Wilshere along. I think it will be a 4-2-3-1 with one of Alli, Barkley and Lallana coming on for Rooney. I don’t think you can leave the experience of Rooney on the bench, especially in such a tricky group. And he’s less likely to change the game coming off the bench as opposed to one of the younger players.

Wayne Rooney’s back seat role may take Manchester United forward – ESPN FC

Wayne Rooney’s back seat role may take Manchester United forward – ESPN FC

It was bound to happen eventually. Wayne Rooney as a deep midfield will take some getting used to but I think he can do a job there. Whether he ends up being truly successful is another matter. I agree with the author that it would be beneficial for him to be in a three-man midfield as opposed to a pivot. Also, still don’t see why everyone earmarks Rashford as the forward ahead of Martial but we’ll see how that turns out.

England could learn from Spain and Germany dropping stars – ESPN FC

England could learn from Spain and Germany dropping stars – ESPN FC

England may just be better off with Rooney coming off the bench. Unless he’s played as a No.10 behind one of either Kane or Welbeck. It will be interesting to see what Roy Hodgson does in this round of internationals.

Wayne Rooney may be burning out but deserves more acclaim for records | Daniel Taylor | Football | The Guardian

Wayne Rooney may be burning out but deserves more acclaim for records | Daniel Taylor | Football | The Guardian

Agreed. Wayne Rooney may not be what England fans wanted him to be but he’s still been a very, very good player. All the awards, individual and team-based, are evidence of that.

Wayne Rooney struggling in Van Gaal strict Man United system – ESPN FC

Wayne Rooney struggling in Van Gaal strict Man United system – ESPN FC.

Well written piece looking at things from a different angle. I think Van Gaal’s system is playing a part in Rooney’s struggles but a player of his quality also needs to adjust. Maybe that won’t happen and he’ll continue to be criticized.

5 Superstars Who Must Step Up in EPL Week 2 – RantSports

5 Superstars Who Must Step Up in EPL Week 2 – RantSports.

My piece for RantSports on Superstars who need to do better.
Mesut Ozil
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Premier League action started last weekend and a few superstars didn’t perform as expected. Players like Mesut Ozil and Wayne Rooney failed to fully fire for their sides which led to some interesting results. With every game battle, these superstars are needed to make the difference. Here are five superstars who must step up for their sides in EPL Week 2.

5. Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas
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Cesc Fabregas still seemed to be shaking off some rust as he went into the first game of the season. Gone was the creative passing that his teammates, especially Diego Costa, needed to get chances. He also failed to help his side control the game and was hooked in the second half. A big test against Manchester City is up next, and he’ll have to do much better if his side is to pick up all three points.

4. Diego Costa

Diego Costa
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Diego Costa may always try to battle and be a nuisance for defenders, but sometimes that can detract from why he’s on the pitch for Chelsea. Costa may have been a difference maker for Chelsea last season, but he’s a known entity now and needs to continue to score goals this season. He failed to have that impact against Swansea, and but his goals will certainly be needed against Manchester City.

3. Petr Cech

Petr Cech
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Petr Cech’s official start to life at Arsenal was a nightmare. Hailed as the missing piece to the Gunners’ title bid, the Arsenal No. 33 was at fault for both goals. In a performance unlike his usual commanding self, Cech punched thin air to allow West Ham a free header from a set-piece and was wrong-footed by what should’ve been an easy save from a long-range shot. His defense didn’t help with the second goal, but you expect better from Cech.

2. Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil
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Mesut Ozil probably spent most of this week hearing about his lackluster performance against a 16-year-old in midfield. Ozil looked set to finally answer all his critics after a solid preseason but fell flat on his face. The German attacking midfielder failed to get into the game, and Arsenal’s attacking threat was limited as a result. He too will need to do much better against Crystal Palace.

1. Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney
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Criticism of Wayne Rooney may seem a bit harsh as one could argue that he didn’t get the service he required against Tottenham. Still, his job is to put the ball in the net and he failed to do that in the game. The own goal may have come while he was about to pull the trigger, but if luck had been on Kyle Walker’s side we’d be focused on his slow actions in the box as opposed to Walker’s luck. Ultimately, the Manchester United captain did little.

Wayne Rooney leads Manchester United into new season – ESPN FC

Wayne Rooney leads Manchester United into new season – ESPN FC.

Really, really good piece her on Wayne Rooney. I think he may be in for a big season as well. Crazy how long he’s been around and is now the longest serving United player. Good for him.

Why 2015/16 Could Be Wayne Rooney’s Final Season at Manchester United | Bleacher Report

Why 2015/16 Could Be Wayne Rooney’s Final Season at Manchester United | Bleacher Report.

Very interesting thoughts. In this day and age it could be anyone’s last season at a club. I don’t think Rooney will leave United though, as we have to consider that it’s likely to be Van Gaal’s last season at the club.

Why Man Utd’s rebuild may vindicate Wayne Rooney | Squawka News

Why Man Utd’s rebuild may vindicate Wayne Rooney | Squawka News.

Some good points laid out by the author. Rooney definitely went about things the wrong way, I’m not sure a transfer request during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign was necessary, but he had a point. I don’t think Manchester United would have suffered much longer, not as long as Arsenal, but this summer’s spending definitely buts them right back in the thick of things. I still think they have some obstacles to overcome to get some sort of silverware but the wheels are turning.