Football legend Diego Maradona has hailed Wayne ”Roonino” Rooney as one of the best players in the world, comparing the England star to himself.
The former Barcelona and Napoli star, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986, said Rooney was ”phenomenal” and one of the hottest talents around.
”There is no doubt that Wayne Rooney is one of the best players in the world,” Maradona was quoted as saying by the Daily Express.
”I put him on the same level with Ronaldinho, [Juan Roman] Riquelme and [Lionel] Messi — players of immense resource and talent.”
Maradona has been a high profile Argentina supporter at the World Cup, attending all their matches and leading celebrations from the stands when they score.
But he has also noticed the 20-year-old Manchester United striker who England are banking on to guide them to victory over Portugal in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Maradona, who has battled against drugs and ballooning weight in recent years, said Rooney would make the current Argentina team.
”If his name was ‘Roonino’ and he had a double passport, then I’m sure he would get in our team,” he said.
”He is a phenomenal player and has all the attributes and talent to be a huge star of the finals. In many ways, Rooney reminds me of myself because he is arrogant on the field and wants the ball all the time.
”He has determination in that he breaks one, two tackles and never gives up. He also has a talent to create magic on the football pitch — nobody can teach you that.”
Rooney has yet to score at the World Cup since returning from a broken bone in his foot that threatened to keep him out of the tournament.
Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson played him up front on his own in their last match against Ecuador but Maradona thinks he is better suited to having a striking partner.
”I thought Eriksson was too cautious playing with only one forward,” he said.
”They need [Peter] Crouch and Rooney to work together to produce goals.” — AFP
