RobRoyalExtended-Phenotype Rooney is an annoying enigma. The flashes of brilliance he shows for Man U and to a less extent England, shows what a valuable player he could be. Yet if the setup isn’t perfect, he is more detrimental to the side than beneficial.
I don’t think England have the players to harness Rooney, and in a unrehearsed team of players varying in standards, form and confidence, we can’t afford players running around doing what they want.
As hard as it is, even if he IS our best player, I sometimes think England would work better with a more conventional and disciplined striker.
Let’s face it, Rooney was at his best for England (2004) when he was just that; a conventional striker in a 4-4-2.
Let's try and forget about 2004. He was carrying an injury, he was worried about certain soon-to-be-public facts about his private life, everybody was playing rubbish, whatever.
Trouble is all that we have of these:Extended-Phenotype a more conventional and disciplined striker.
are just quite rubbish.
The very idea that, at a time when we have a historic dearth of forward talent, we would drop a guy close to being top-scorer in the prem, who is also creative, and has years of experience playing at the highest level, and who, despite accusations of hot-headedness, had so far gone the season with a single yellow card, is perverse. (Yes, I said perverse. I knew you'd like that.)
Even if he's only going to play one game.
Do you mean forget about 2010, or did you watch a different tournament?!
You are right. I liked 'peverse'. But I still think it's pointless taking a player who, regardless of talent, does not play well for the team.