First of all he isnt a teen (21) second of all he is not over-rated his stats prove that he is one of the best in the Prem. 14 goals and 11 assits last year. Hardly anyone in the league except Ronaldo had as many points between the two most important stats for an attcking player. You simply don't know what you are talking about.
thats 14 goals and 11 assists in a season where he wasn't playing well. Imagine how many he would have scored in an in form season.
I was more happy to see him get back to scoring in the CL. Hearing those announcers go on and on about how Roon and Ronaldo don't score in Europe was getting tiresome.
I would never trade Rooney for Drogba...not in a million years and not if Rooney were hurt and Frazier Campbell and The Dong were our only available strikers.
Rooney is my favorite footballer and his age is his strenght in a conversation such as this, but Drogba is at the moment a better striker than Rooney. I dont like Drogba, never have and I would not trade Rooney for him (mainly b/c of age) but Wayne is not the best striker in the world and I would trade him for Messi in a heart beat.
I am a United fan and Wayne is my favorite player on the team, but I hold no matiral loyalty to him. He is one of the best strikers playing today, but not too many people who watch football and have eyes would say that Rooney is better than Messi. Yes his most productive year was last year and much of his hype is built off that but remember Messi put up the same numbers as Rooney did last year and he is a year younger. Come to think of it maybe we should start a new thread. Rooney vs. Messi
Rooney isn't very much older Rooney has been putting up these types of numbers for 3 seasons now Rooney is physically stronger Rooney can deal with the pace and intensity of the EPL Rooney put up his numbers in the best league in europe, messi did it in a league where defending is dismal No element of messi's game is better then rooney's other then dribbling Rooney is not a cheating, diving twat.
Messi did it in the CL, where Rooney has never done it and where all the best players (defenders as well) are. //devils advocate
Messi's finishing is as good imo. He is faster imo. Messi is more versatile. His performances dont drop when you put him outside his comfort zone. Rooney is a cheating, diving twat. Ask around.
And just because defending isn't as physical in Spain doesn't mean it is worse. Evading a poorly timed tackle is a lot easier than evading someone who refuses to tackle, for the simple reason that once a tackle is made space is opened up, and someone is wasting time trying to get up and get back to the ball. Spanish defending historically works really well against Premiership sides, exposing the myth that the Premiership has better defending.
atm Rooney is a better player them Messi, and a more established one. Both players potential is limitless, but keep in mind that Messi just came off the best season he has ever had, and Rooney came off not such a great one which is why there are doubts being thrown around.
Its a shame people here are too ignorant to realize how good Spanish defending really is. I guess all those champions league winners were really good at convincing the other team to give them the ball.
Messi was also surrounded by more total talent and team that plays a style of football week in and week out that is suited to Europe. Messi is a good player. But for a Premiere League team, I would take Rooney hands down. Not even a second thought.
In which he scored 23 goals? That tells me everything about the guy. He has a "poor" season and he still nets 23 goals. I'd be suprised if Messi ever scores 23 goals in a season. I know Messi usually plays out wide but so does Ronaldo and he got 20+ last season too. Messi is an outstanding talent, of that there is no doubt, but with regards to who is the more complete player? Rooney wins hands down. However, there must come a point when Rooney ceases to be a "young" player and that point will be upon us soon. What is the age? 22? 23? Messi is still only 19 I think so he has time on his hands.........
The post you quoted was in reference to something else. But as far as being surrounded by more talent, thats arguable. If you are saying that Rooney has less quality on his team (Its close), isnt that a reason as to why he SHOULD shine more? The style of play point isnt really clicking with me. Not all teams play a style suited to Europe but that doesnt stop their star players from shining. For example, Munich w/ Ballack, Riquelme w/ Villareal. Also, I would never choose Messi over Rooney for this team.
In comparing the two Messi has Rooney bested in everything except power, which is a big deal when playing in the prem, so having that said Rooney's power problably would make him a better premiership player. As far as all the other leagues and international play i would have to give the nod to Messi, the up side for him is tremendous. Maradona said it himself that Messi is the reincarnation of himself. Only time will tell with this little debate, however if i were a betting man i would say that in the end messi will have the better carrer.
