Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has sparked debate with his picks for the most impressive players in the Premier League this season.
In a recent interview, Rooney highlighted three players who have made a significant impact for their clubs, bypassing some of the league’s established superstars.
His first choice was Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. The forward has been in impressive form, scoring six goals and providing three assists in just 11 league appearances. Rooney praised his consistency, noting that Semenyo has continued the excellent performances he showed last season.
Next on Rooney’s list was Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo. Despite a challenging start for the club this season, Rooney believes Mbeumo has delivered strong performances, contributing effectively in attack and showing resilience on the pitch.
For his third selection, Rooney chose Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres. Highlighting Arsenal’s long-standing need for a reliable striker, he commended Gyökeres for his work rate, hold-up play, and determination, in addition to scoring crucial goals.
The most notable omission from Rooney’s top three was Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker leads the Premier League scoring charts with 14 goals and has also played a key role in helping his national team achieve historic World Cup qualification. Fans and pundits alike have questioned Haaland’s absence, along with the exclusion of midfield standouts such as Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
Social media reactions have been divided. Some fans criticized Rooney’s selections, suggesting they reflect his recent managerial struggles, including his brief stint at Birmingham City. Others, however, appreciate his unique perspective and analytical approach.
Despite the controversy, Rooney’s punditry has earned recognition for clarity and insight. Liverpool legend Graeme Souness praised Rooney for offering common-sense analysis and authoritative commentary, reinforcing his growing reputation as a credible football analyst.
Rooney’s choices may be unconventional, but they emphasize his focus on influence, determination, and impact rather than just statistics. Whether fans agree or disagree, his picks highlight players making a tangible difference in the Premier League this season.
