Since we bought Wayne Rooney in 2004, I always wondered how well he could play if he played a little deeper - in the position just ahead of the midfielders. There is no doubt that he has the ability - he has the ability to play anywhere. He runs and runs, chases and chases, he tracks back when he loses possession and is all over the pitch, helping out all of his team mates. He is a very self-less player. But he loves to score goals, and I have wondered, during his time at Manchester United, what he would play like - and how well he would play in the position that Paul Scholes used to occupy - the central attacking midfield position.
We never really found out until Friday night when he played in a similar position against Bulgaria. He played magnificently, playing a big part in all four goals that England scored, whilst directly assisting three. His cross field balls reminded me of Scholes, and his vision was astonishing - the return chip over the defenders for Ashley Cole during the build up for the first goal was an example of this.
England at times were lacking in spark, and, although comfortable in possession, couldn't create anything - cue Rooney. Dawson and Jagielka passed it to each-other in their own half and whilst the attackers waited for a long ball, Rooney came rushing back, took the ball and found a team mate with an exquisite pass. He should have been on the end of it, yet he was the one delivering it. Thats what he can do. His decision making for the assists was perfection - choosing Defoe over Walcott in a three on three situation.In general, Rooney tore the Bulgarians to shreads with his quick thinking, perfect passing, and stunning vision. He would be a much better goalscorer for England if he had a similar player to him or a good crosser of the ball in the wings to cross onto his head or into his feet - like he has at Manchester United with Valencia, Nani and Giggs.
