Former Manchester United striker and current DC United manager Wayne Rooney has declared that the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is over, and he has identified Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as the successor to their throne. Rooney stated in his column for The Times, via Sportskeeda, that Haaland is by far the best footballer on the planet at present, citing his impressive numbers, performances, and mentality.
Haaland has been on fire since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund, breaking virtually every goal-scoring record in England and Europe. He has scored an astounding 48 goals in 42 games across competitions while also providing six assists, proving himself to be a lethal goal-poacher. Rooney, who himself holds several goal-scoring records, wrote that Haaland's level of performance takes his breath away.
Rooney's comments have renewed debate about the era of Messi and Ronaldo, who have long been considered the greatest players of all time. The two veteran players have won a combined 12 Ballon d'Or awards and numerous trophies. Ronaldo's machine-like relentlessness in scoring goals and Messi's talent with the ball at his feet have attracted many admirers, but Rooney believes that Haaland's current form has surpassed theirs.
However, Rooney's remarks have not gone unchallenged. Former Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano has blasted Haaland, claiming that the Norwegian sensation "does not know how to play football." Cassano, who has since retired from professional football, prefers strikers like Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema, but it seems ironic for him to criticize Haaland's playing ability, given his impressive numbers this season alone.
Meanwhile, Haaland will hope to continue his outstanding goal-scoring form for Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola's team chases the treble. The club is still in contention to win the English Premier League, the Emirates FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League titles.
Rooney's declaration that the Messi and Ronaldo era is over is significant, as it marks a new era in football, where a new player will now be crowned as the best in the world. It is a testament to the ever-changing nature of the sport, where players come and go, but their impact on the game is felt for generations to come. With Haaland's rise to prominence, football fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on his future performances, hoping that he can live up to the hype and potentially surpass the achievements of Messi and Ronaldo.
Reviewed by Eclectic Streams
on
April 25, 2023
Rating:
