October 24th, 2008 - Wayne Rooney

Fourth player review - Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has always been one of my favorite players. He's young, extremely talented and has slowly worked his way up to the top of one of Europe's most known clubs, Manchester United.

Rooney was signed by Everton on schoolboy terms at the age of ten (he was on the Youth team and playing for 80 Euro a week). After moving up to the professional league, Rooney was celebrated as the stand out star of his team. Although Everton didn't want to give him up, over time Rooney wanted to move on to clubs that were more competitive. At age 19, he debuted for his current club Manchester United, scoring a hat trick and an assist.

With his explosive talent also came his immense immaturity. Rooney is famous for his sarcastic comments to coaches, referees and players, making him both hated and loved. His cocky attitude has quitted down in the last couple of years, which is necessary if he wants to gain the respect that his talent deserves. No one likes a player who thinks he never makes a mistake. It's good that he's finally manning up.

Most recently Rooney has really stepped up into the leader position for both club and country. His goal against Celtic FC on Wednesday was his ninth in his last seven appearances for both teams. If Rooney keeps playing well up top with teammate Dimitar Berbatov, Man U will be a sure competitor in the Championship League.