Topics: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi
Wayne Rooney has built his 'perfect player' - and some of the choices may not be who you would expect.
The former Manchester United man had it all during his playing days. His pace and power, combined with his work-rate and top-class finishing, allowed him to become both United and England's record goal scorer during his playing career - although Harry Kane has since surpassed him on the international stage.
Towards the end of his playing days, former England captain Rooney even dropped into midfield and showed his precise passing range and deft first touch when he entered his thirties.
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The Liverpool-born man has now given his own verdict on the 'perfect player' based on his former opponents and teammates.
He named ex-United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as the best finisher he's played against.
The pair won multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League during their time playing together at United between 2004 and 2009.
“Because he [Ronaldo] scored a lot of goals. He’s a really good finisher,” Rooney told BBC Sport.
Rooney then named Lionel Messi as the best dribbler he has shared the pitch with.
The Argentine was part of the reason Rooney finished his career with just one Champions League medal.
Messi scored in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, helping Barcelona to wins over United on both occasions.
“He’s so hard to play against,” explained Rooney.
“He’s small, quick, keeps the ball very close to his feet. And can make you look silly if you get too close.”
When asked who had the best mentality, Rooney instantly named ex-United teammate Gary Neville.
“Before he went to the Manchester United first team, he wasn’t as talented as quite a few players,” Rooney said.
“That continued throughout his career…he was a fantastic player, and he was very driven. His mentality was class.”
Rooney then named former England teammate John Terry as the best defender he faced.
“He wasn’t the quickest, but he read the game really well,” added Rooney.
“Strong, good in the air, could score goals and liked to tackle.”
The English theme continued when revealing who had the best IQ out of his former teammates. Rooney named Paul Scholes, who he shared multiple successes with at Old Trafford.
“He just knew the game,” said the former Everton academy graduate.
“Dictated games, could pass short, could pass long, could score goals… his IQ was next level.”
