Managers pay tribute to a decade of Rooney

Everton manager David Moyes believes Wayne Rooney could have flourished in a number of positions.

As October 19 marked the 10-year anniversary since Rooney announced himself onto the Premier League scene at Everton as a 16-year-old with a stunning goal against Arsenal in 2002, Moyes says it could have been all so different for the striker.

“We question it a little bit now, but Wayne could have been a goalie, a right-back, a centre-half, he could have been an outside-left,” he said.

“Wayne could have played any position because it was his love of football which, I think, was one of the biggest factors in his ability.”

It’s a good thing Moyes kept Rooney as a striker with the 26-year-old boasting an impressive record of 144 goals from 322 Premier League appearances, which has helped Manchester United to four titles.

To survive 10 years at the top of the English game is challenging, but Arsene Wenger believes there’s an obvious answer.

“Wayne Rooney is the combination of the English player. That means talented of course, but also committed,” the Frenchman said.

“He likes challenges, he had that from a very young age, and that robust body that can cope with it.

“Ten years later, he has proven that he’s the great player everyone expected.”

Rooney capped off a memorable week of football by wearing the captain’s armband in England’s comprehensive victory over San Marino at Wembley Stadium and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says the 26-year-old is reaping the rewards for his maturity.

“He’s at an age now that he’ll be getting more authority into his game and better timing,” he said.

“His goal ratio the last two seasons has been fantastic, so it’s all from there.”