Source: Daily_Mail
RUUD GULLIT: Rooney is on the brink of greatness after AC Milan show
The first time I saw Wayne Rooney, he was a boy who was hungry and eager. He had to prove he would become the player everyone thought he would be. And that he was hungry enough to develop. I thought he was just another good boy with a lot of talent but he had to be given the time to mature.[LNB] Rooney's performance in the San Siro on Tuesday night showed us that he is now up there with the best in the world. If he is to make that final step to the very top, he needs to produce a match-winning performance in a massive game, like Lionel Messi did in last year's Champions League final or Ronaldo the year before. That would make him the very best and I'm certain it will happen for him.[LNB] White hot: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney evades challenge on three Milan players[LNB] He's such a different player from Ronaldo and Messi. You can't compare them. But greatness is not about technical ability, it's about making a difference at the right moment. There have been so many good players who haven't produced when it was required of them.[LNB] [LNB]WHERE DOES ROONEY RANK AMONG WORLD ELITE?Marcel van der KraanAD Sportworld, HollandThe Dutch are desperately hoping we do not have to face England in South Africa because Rooney is a player who can beat the best teams on his own. We like to think we have had some of the best strikers of recent times but we have never had someone with his power.[LNB]Andrea Ramazotti Corriere dello Sport, ItalyIf we are talking about the best player in the world over the last 12 months I say it is Lionel Messi but if we restrict it to the last two monthsI would choose Rooney.[LNB]Fernando DuarteO Globo, BrazilThis might be the year for England at the World Cup because I can see Rooney starting to flourish. I put him alongside Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo at the top.[LNB]Robert LaulAftonbladet, SwedenI doubt there's a better player in Europe. He puts in tremendous work in every game but now he is scoring goals in almost every game.[LNB]David Ruiz de la Torre Marca, SpainThe best player in the world? Rooney is the most in-form at the moment.[LNB]Walter StratenBild, GermanyHe is not at his peak yet but if his goals take England all the way in the World Cup, we will be talking about him as a worldwide legend, right up there at the very top.[LNB]This season, Rooney has made a real difference. He's been special, andhas proven himself over and over again. He has been winning matcheswith crucial goals.[LNB]Both of Tuesday's goals were headers, which might seem a bit strange, but that is because he is in different positions now since he's moved to the middle of the park. [LNB]The fact that he no longer has to play second fiddle to Ronaldo has released him a bit. He's made a huge leap since changing roles.[LNB] H e is showing a better awareness of where to stand and where to be at crucial moments: when he has to be a target man, when he needs to be in the box and, most importantly, when he needs to save energy.[LNB] Another huge thing that impressed me on Tuesday was that he took responsibility by criticising his team-mates after the game. He said something he would never have said before when he suggested that some players were not doing their job. That shows maturity and responsibility.[LNB] He still seemed a little bit shy when he spoke out but he's nowaware of what the team needs. He knows what the responsibility is, hefeels it and he takes it. It's one of the steps he has had to take. Allof a sudden it is not about Rooney any more, it is about the team. Thisis quite a development for someone so young. Rooney will just keepgetting better and, of course, he will be Manchester United and Englandcaptain.[LNB] Especially if he continues to be outspoken and take responsibility on the pitch.[LNB]Some people have suggested that he should move abroad at some point butwhy would he? He already plays at one of the best clubs in the world. Iloved the different experiences of playing abroad but I came from asmall country. Holland doesn't have the biggest clubs in the world soit was natural to move abroad to become a better player.[LNB] Head for heights: Wayne Rooney scores against AC Milan[LNB] [LNB]Sportsmail's football experts give their opinion on the world's top five playersDES KELLY1 Rooney................Man Utd2 Messi.................Barcelona3 Ronaldo.........Real Madrid4 Drogba.................Chelsea5 Xavi....................Barcelona[LNB]MATT LAWTON1 Rooney................Man Utd2 Messi.................Barcelona3 Drogba.................Chelsea4 Xavi....................Barcelona5 Ronaldo.........Real Madrid[LNB]MATT BARLOW1 Rooney................Man Utd2 Drogba.................Chelsea3 Messi.................Barcelona4 Navas......................Sevilla5 Sneijder...........Inter MIlan[LNB]IAN LADYMAN1 Rooney................Man Utd2 Drogba.................Chelsea3 Ronaldo.........Real Madrid4 Lampard...............Chelsea5 Fabregas..............Arsenal[LNB]There will be a lot of pressure on Rooney in England because people are always desperate for the next hero. But he needs time. Be careful with him now. Don't exaggerate, don't think he will necessarily win you the World Cup. It will all come eventually. Let him flourish slowly.[LNB] He's still a rough diamond but one day you will have the most beautiful diamond you could ever have. He could be the best one day, but it all depends on him.[LNB] [LNB]Ruud Gullit is a UEFA Champions League expert for Sky Sports HD. This Saturday Manchester United face Everton at Goodison Park, live on Sky Sports HD1 from 12.30pm. For further information on high definition or to upgrade to Sky+HD call: 08442 410 564[LNB] PICTURE SPECIAL: Ryan Giggs reveals the sling holding his broken arm together in a scene from a Lowry paintingWayne Rooney reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson made him a United hot shotWayne Rooney can be the best in the world, claims David Beckham[LNB] [LNB]
