Wayne Rooney, a legend of Manchester United and England, has been offering a keen eye on the current Premier League landscape. His observations extend beyond the usual suspects, focusing on players making subtle yet significant impacts on their teams’ fortunes.
Rooney has publicly backed Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, despite the forward’s goal tally not immediately jumping off the page. He believes Gyokeres is a vital component of Arsenal’s attack, consistently occupying defenders and creating space for his teammates, even if his direct contributions aren’t always reflected in goals and assists.
The former striker recalls Gyokeres’ prolific form at Sporting, acknowledging his ability to consistently find the back of the net. Rooney insists that this underlying quality is still present in his game, contributing to Arsenal’s title challenge in a less obvious, but equally important, way.
However, Rooney’s admiration doesn’t stop there. He’s been particularly captivated by the performances of Liverpool’s summer signing, Hugo Ekitike. Ekitike’s recent two-goal performance against Newcastle United has cemented Rooney’s belief in his exceptional talent.
When directly asked if he’d choose Gyokeres over Ekitike, Rooney didn’t hesitate. “No,” he stated firmly. He believes Ekitike, alongside Granit Xhaka at Sunderland, has been one of the Premier League’s standout signings this season.
Rooney was particularly struck by Ekitike’s instinctive finishing, comparing one of his goals to a classic Romario strike – a subtle, perfectly placed toe-poke that showcased pure, natural ability. It’s a quality that immediately caught the eye of a player renowned for his own predatory instincts.
Ekitike isn’t easily categorized. He doesn’t conform to traditional number nine or number ten roles, instead drifting wide, linking play, and contributing goals. Rooney sees a player with a complete skillset, a dynamic force capable of unlocking defenses.
In contrast, Rooney contrasted Ekitike’s self-assuredness with the current struggles of Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko. While acknowledging Sesko’s recent winning goal, Rooney observed that the young forward appears to require guidance and support on the pitch.
Ekitike, on the other hand, possesses a natural swagger and confidence, qualities Rooney believes are essential for success at the highest level. He’s the type of player who can be simply unleashed onto the field and trusted to make things happen, a rare and valuable attribute.
Rooney clearly values players who exude a certain arrogance and self-belief, those who take the game by the scruff of the neck. He sees that quality in abundance in Ekitike, a player who is quickly becoming a captivating presence in the Premier League.
