Rooney backed to make his mark on the World stage

September 30, 2009

England striker Wayne Rooney can become one of the best players in world football according to his club manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Manchester United boss Ferguson thinks that Rooney will soon be on a level playing field with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The Scot said: “Wayne could easily get to that level.

“He is blessed with some ingredients only great footballers have.”

Rooney’s best ever finish in Fifa’s prestigious World Player of the Year poll is tenth, which he achieved in 2004, shortly after breaking into the England first team. However, with current World Player of the Year, Ronaldo, having left United in the Summer, Rooney now has a chance to take the the limelight for himself.

Team-mate Jonny Evans thinks that the switch in position as a result of Ronaldo’s departure has been of great benefit to the 23-year-old.

“His form has been great this season. He is playing through the middle now and is probably in his most favourite position” said Evans.

Rooney has also been in fine form for his country and is currently the leading goalscorer in European qualification, with nine goals in eight matches. This sort of form has long since been appreciated by England fans and they voted Rooney the team’s player of the year in 2008.

The striker first received international recognition in 2003, when he made his debut in a friendly match against Australia. The following year he joined Manchester United from Everton for a hefty fee of £27million. Ferguson says that he believed Rooney would become a “top player” from an early age.

“He has a great determination and hunger to win every match and every training session. That will never change” said the United manager.

“He plays as if he means it. It is a wonderful thing to have.”

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