McClennan wrote:
That's exactly it isn't it. He's not used to playing one-touch football like those who play in more adventurous teams and that's what I meant about him being a step behind the play. You could say it's confidence, and some of it is, but seeing as he's been like that a while I'm more inclined to believe in it being part of his game make-up these days.
The most worrying thing about Rooney is the press around him is surpassing Gerrard levels of myth. When Benitez first came to Liverpool, he played Gerrard out on the right with much success, he played very well, yet we were repeatedly told he had to play centrally, so he could get on the ball more and 'drive' the play. Eventually, Gerrard found his best form playing centrally behind Torres, but still we were told he should play in midfield next to Alonso or Mascherano. Anyway, we're hearing similar things about Rooney, everybody seems to know where he should play and where he's at his best. Can somebody tell me the last time Rooney gave a masterclass of playing in 'the hole'? When did he last put together a performance of a proper 10? When was he last a creative force during a game? What about the last time he ran at people and beat them repeatedly through the middle of the pitch? Some people argue Rooney's best position is as a '9', but he isn't a target man, he isn't prolifically quick and his movement is hardly instinctive, is it? I was watching England the other night against Norway and Townsend was complaining because Rooney was playing 'almost as an inside left', apparently he needed to be central so he could influence the game more. Every time England line up we're told Rooney needs to influence the game more, but it doesn't matter where he is on the pitch, he isn't that influential because he isn't anywhere near as good as people think he is. Suarez last year for Liverpool appeared pretty much everywhere in the final third and influenced the game no matter where he picked the ball up.
There's no doubting Rooney has ability, he's pretty creative, his dribbling can be good and his finishing can also be good, but I can't remember the last time I thought he fully influenced a game, where I thought the opposition couldn't stop him, or where he gave a masterclas in playing a position. He's simply a talented player who seems to be slacking a little as an athlete, I can't see anybody other than Sterling and Barkley being the future of England's team, I think it's about time we either start using Rooney off the bench or he looks to find a new role on the pitch, as he won't playing up front for United if RVP and Falcao are fit, and I don't see him offering the creativity of Mata or Di Maria as a '10'.
