Of course he can contribute, not saying he's **** despite the title just the contrast of how much better RvP is, positioning heading finishing in general pace drive brilliant runs. All the things Rooney has not been associated with consistently for a few years he's poor a lot but nips in a goal from a handy chance made by the team and takes a lot of pens. I think he needs to go out on loan to Find himself again. The 17 year old Rooney was better than the current Rooney which is an odd situation. FYI bitter twats. I know Liverpools striking situation, I am admiring the quality of RvP and knew when ye signed him he would fit better than at arsenal, ye should have signed him years ago so he would have avoided the butcher arsenal physios that kept him on the physio table
Ironic you post that about Rooney, given that RVP has taken pretty much every penalty for Arsenal for the last five years, and scored a tap in on Sunday that was created by Rio's great work, and a header from Nani's pin point corner. RVP does have more of a flair for the dramatic, and his technique when striking the ball is pretty much unmatched as his volley showed, but comparing him with Rooney is a bit pointless give how different they are. Rooney has moved deeper as his career has progressed and, whilst RVP is a better predator and striker, Rooney is better at passing, creating and making the play. The fact Rooney can still hit 15-20 goals a season on average whilst contributing so much from a build up point of view only shows how good his all round game has become. As for 17 year old Rooney being better, better at what exactly? Back then he may have had fewer inhibitions and played a freer role, but he was definitely not contributing more to the team. As with all talented young players, when the talent is matched with experience it leads to a more considered approach to the game, which may not be as impressive but which has a much greater impact in terms of influencing the game. You will probably find that out with young Sterling - right now he's impressive with all his flashy control and willingness to run at people, but if he's to realise his potential he'll have to learn when to play it simple, keep possession and work for the team rather than going for the clever stuff which, whilst it looks good, has delivered absolutely nothing so far.
Definately... Most youngsters are fearless and aren't afraid to miss horribly 15 times to score one screamer.. After all they don't have reputations to look after. Even someone like Walcott... some of the cheeky, cocky goals he scored as a teenager at Southampton, he wouldn't even try anymore... Did Owen ever score a similar goal to his solo one versus Argentina...? It's almost a selfish arrogance that youngsters have, they're desperate to show everyone everything that they can do.. I would agree though (and this is controversial) that Rooney hasn't completely fulfilled the potential he showed as a youngster... He's still obviously been absoloutely class for us, and is on route to become a United Legend though... Weird to imagine what his and Newcastle's last seven or eight years might have been had they landed him instead of us....
Agree with you there, but then most youngsters rarely completely fulfil their potential, particularly if they show as much as Rooney. And of course he's still 26, so nowhere near his peak yet - scary thought for all those poor ABUs Agree with that too
You have to read the Del Piero thread on the Scousers board. Del Piero's coming! He's brilliant, a legend! He's only the same age as Scholes who's still doing a job at United! This is great! He's signed for Sydney FC! All inside 90 minutes. But RVP at the age of 29 was too old...genius.
It's like Liverpool's entire season compressed into 90 minutes. Anticipation...excitement...certain victory...premature celebration...reality
Watching them list possible out of contract signings is hilarious. "Gudjohnsen, yeh he's quality". So quality that not a single club on this planet has so far decided that he's worth a punt. It's like shopping in the £1 bin at Woolworths. "Gladys, I've found one, Limahl's greatest hits, remember her, she was smashing."
and as Clubber Lang would say....[video=youtube;lSPNQ82Sq4E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSPNQ82Sq4E[/video]