Wayne Rooney shocks fans by leaving Lionel Messi out of his “perfect player” build, selecting Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and other former teammates for key attributes, sparking debate over his controversial choices.

Wayne Rooney, former Manchester United and England football legend, has once again made headlines with his controversial choices in constructing his ideal footballer.

In a recent interview, Rooney was asked to pick the best attributes from different players he has encountered throughout his career to build the “perfect player.”

The list of names he selected was intriguing, but it was his exclusion of Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest dribblers and playmakers in the history of the sport, that has caused a stir among football fans and pundits alike.

Rooney’s football career has been defined by his intense work ethic, technical ability, and leadership on the pitch, from his early days at Everton to his long tenure at Manchester United.

Over the years, he’s played alongside some of the best footballers in the world, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs, and has faced off against some of the game’s biggest stars, including Lionel Messi.

His choices for the “perfect player” reflect not only his personal experiences but also his deep understanding of what makes a footballer truly great.

When asked to pick the best finisher, many would expect Rooney to mention Lionel Messi, known for his clinical finishing, especially in tight spaces.

However, Rooney selected his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, praising Ronaldo’s exceptional ability to score goals from almost any position.

The decision isn’t entirely surprising, given the legendary partnership the two forged at Old Trafford during some of United’s most successful years.

Ronaldo’s goal-scoring records are a testament to his finishing skills, and Rooney’s choice seems to reflect his admiration for the Portuguese forward’s consistency and precision in front of goal.

When it came to the best dribbler, many were expecting to hear Messi’s name immediately. Messi, renowned for his ability to glide past defenders with ease, has often been hailed as the best dribbler in football.

However, Rooney shocked fans by naming Roberto Carlos, the Brazilian legend, as the best dribbler. Known more for his powerful free kicks and attacking runs from the left-back position, Carlos was an explosive presence on the field.

Rooney described Carlos as having the ability to “make you look silly” when you got too close to him, thanks to his quick footwork and low center of gravity.

While Messi’s dribbling skills are legendary, Rooney’s choice of Carlos is likely influenced by the Brazilian’s unique skill set and his direct attacking play from the back.

For the best mentality, Rooney chose his former Manchester United and England teammate Gary Neville. Known for his relentless work ethic, commitment, and leadership, Neville was the embodiment of the “never say die” attitude on the pitch.

As one of the most decorated players in Premier League history, Neville’s mentality and influence in the dressing room were pivotal in United’s domestic and European success.

Rooney’s selection highlights the importance of a strong mentality and the ability to lead by example, traits that Neville exuded during his career.

Rooney’s choice for the best defender was another former teammate, John Terry. Widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, Terry’s leadership and defensive prowess were crucial to Chelsea’s success during the 2000s and early 2010s.

Terry’s ability to read the game, make crucial interceptions, and lead the backline made him one of the toughest defenders in world football, a quality that Rooney clearly respected.

As for the player with the best footballing IQ, Rooney named Paul Scholes. The former Manchester United midfielder, widely regarded as one of the most gifted playmakers of his era, possessed an extraordinary ability to read the game and control the tempo of matches.

Scholes’ vision, passing range, and intelligence on the ball were unmatched, and Rooney’s choice speaks volumes about Scholes’ influence in the United midfield. Scholes’ ability to pick out passes others couldn’t see made him a vital cog in United’s midfield for over two decades.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this “perfect player” build was the absence of Lionel Messi, a player who has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards and is often compared to footballing icons like Pele and Diego Maradona.

Messi has been lauded for his dribbling, vision, playmaking, and consistency over the years.

The Argentine forward has mesmerized fans and defenders alike with his ability to create chances and score goals from nearly impossible situations.

Rooney’s decision to exclude Messi from several categories, including dribbling and footballing IQ, has left many questioning why the former United striker made such bold choices.

While Rooney’s selections are certainly subjective and reflect his personal experiences with the players he has worked with and faced, they also reveal a great deal about his values as a footballer.

Rooney has always been known for his fiery spirit, his physicality, and his no-nonsense attitude on the pitch.

His choices for the “perfect player” show a preference for players who combine skill with determination and leadership, someone who would work tirelessly for the team while also possessing technical brilliance.

It’s worth noting that while Rooney did not pick Messi for certain attributes, Messi’s influence on the game cannot be denied. His individual brilliance and his performances on the world stage have earned him a place in footballing history as one of the greatest players of all time.

Rooney’s “snub” of Messi is likely more a reflection of his personal biases and the experiences he’s had with the players he’s played alongside and against, rather than a definitive statement about Messi’s talent or impact on the sport.

In the end, this debate over Rooney’s “perfect player” will continue to spark discussions among fans and pundits. Football, after all, is a game of opinions, and everyone has their own perspective on what makes a player truly great.

While some may feel that Rooney’s choices were surprising, others may argue that they shed light on the qualities that he values most in a footballer.

Either way, Rooney’s list has certainly kept fans talking, proving that even after retirement, the former striker remains one of the most captivating figures in football.