Abby Brammell

White hot: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney evades challenge on three Milan players


The first time I saw Wayne Rooney, he was a boy who was hungry and eager. He had to prove he would become the player everyone thought he would be. And that he was hungry enough to develop. I thought he was just another good boy with a lot of talent but he had to be given the time to mature.

Rooney's performance in the San Siro on Tuesday night showed us that he is now up there with the best in the world. If he is to make that final step to the very top, he needs to produce a match-winning performance in a massive game, like Lionel Messi did in last year's Champions League final or Ronaldo the year before. That would make him the very best and I'm certain it will happen for him.

He's such a different player from Ronaldo and Messi. You can't compare them. But greatness is not about technical ability, it's about making a difference at the right moment. There have been so many good players who haven't produced when it was required of them.


This season, Rooney has made a real difference. He's been special, and has proven himself over and over again. He has been winning matches with crucial goals.

Both of Tuesday's goals were headers, which might seem a bit strange, but that is because he is in different positions now since he's moved to the middle of the park.

The fact that he no longer has to play second fiddle to Ronaldo has released him a bit. He's made a huge leap since changing roles.

H e is showing a better awareness of where to stand and where to be at crucial moments: when he has to be a target man, when he needs to be in the box and, most importantly, when he needs to save energy.

Another huge thing that impressed me on Tuesday was that he took responsibility by criticising his team-mates after the game. He said something he would never have said before when he suggested that some players were not doing their job. That shows maturity and responsibility.

He still seemed a little bit shy when he spoke out but he's now aware of what the team needs. He knows what the responsibility is, he feels it and he takes it. It's one of the steps he has had to take. All of a sudden it is not about Rooney any more, it is about the team. This is quite a development for someone so young. Rooney will just keep getting better and, of course, he will be Manchester United and England captain.

Especially if he continues to be outspoken and take responsibility on the pitch.

Some people have suggested that he should move abroad at some point but why would he? He already plays at one of the best clubs in the world. I loved the different experiences of playing abroad but I came from a small country. Holland doesn't have the biggest clubs in the world so it was natural to move abroad to become a better player.


Head for heights: Wayne Rooney scores against AC Milan


There will be a lot of pressure on Rooney in England because people are always desperate for the next hero. But he needs time. Be careful with him now. Don't exaggerate, don't think he will necessarily win you the World Cup. It will all come eventually. Let him flourish slowly.

He's still a rough diamond but one day you will have the most beautiful diamond you could ever have. He could be the best one day, but it all depends on him.

Ruud Gullit is a UEFA Champions League expert for Sky Sports HD. This Saturday Manchester United face Everton at Goodison Park, live on Sky Sports HD1 from 12.30pm. For further information on high definition or to upgrade to Sky+HD call: 08442 410 564


source: dailymail