Rooney World Cup Injury Concern as Farcical as a Preordained PFA Award
by Richard Farley on Apr 26, 2010 11:49 AM EDT
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Lionel Messi would have to get hurt to test this theory, but I suspect no country is as invested in their star play as England is in Wayne Rooney. Every insecurity about the English game, talent pool, and style are projected upon the Manchester United forward, who won the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year on Sunday. More on that in a second, because the story here is a furor the English press is in after it was announced Rooney may miss Manchester United's final two matches with a groin injury incurred Thursday in training.
As you will see in the list of links below (excessive in length, for effect), the English-speaking world is aflutter with the idea that Rooney may not make the World Cup. Seemingly in response, Rooney has had to make it clear that not only will be be available for England, not only has he communicated this to Fabio Capello, but he may also play in United's final match against Stoke City.
And while I would love to deride the media for wasting my time by disproportionately blowing-up this story, it didn't waste a second of my weekend. Hopefully, you were similarly spared, as the British press has become transparently ridiculous as it concerns Rooney. They exaggerate every accomplishment,panic at every injury - try to sell the idea that this is England's answer to Messi. Aside from the man who man's Mesi's midfield, nobody has a possible answer for Messi. That we're put in a situation to have to point out Rooney is not Messi is a disservice to Wayne. He's being purported to be something he's not, and (unfortunately) that means others have to retort.
And that brings me to the PFA Awards. I can not remember a year where I disagreed with them more. I disagree with most of the team of the season. I disagree with young player, and I disagree with Player of the Year. Cesc Fabregas has been the best player in the league, to my mind, though that may portray my bias toward creative players in the center of the park. However, if you're more into goal scorers, Rooney is still an inferior choice to Didier Drogba.
Drogba is one goal behind Rooney in fewer minutes played. Four of Rooney's goals are from the spot (Drogba has none). Drogba has more than twice as many assists and is on the team higher in the table. If you want to move beyond statistics (which I'm happy to do), it's very difficult to make the argument that Rooney has a greater effect on a match than Drogba. The Ivorian's hold-up play, passing, strength, aerial prowess have all been on display this year. For any argument you cam make in Rooney's favor (regarding the "things he does"), you can make a similar argument for Drogba.
I suppose I don't begrudge Rooney winning the award as much as I begrudge the lack of discussion. There are at least two other viable candidates, three when you consider Carlos Tévez, who I could also make a care for (no team has been as important to their team's success, as far as role in the attack, important goals, etc.).
For course, there is glaring difference between Rooney and his competitors. Have the candidates throw their passports on the table and you'll see it.
Your Barrel of Rooney Links, after the jump.
Report: Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney Is Doubtful Over World Cup Place - Goal.com
Rooney's absence from South Africa would deliver a huge blow to Fabio Capello, as the England boss has built a team around his star forward.
Sir Alex Ferguson's prognosis is that the injury, sustained in training last Thursday, will keep him out for "two to three weeks" though Ferguson's assistant Mike Phelan said: "We have got seven days to prepare for the next game and we hope we get Wayne Rooney back."
PFA Player of the Year Wayne Rooney says he will be fit for World Cup | Football | The Guardian
"It's something I'm really proud of and it's a great honour. I remember coming here in 2005 and 2006 to win the young player of the year. I saw the players winning the main one and it's something I've aimed for since."
Remaining in good humour, when asked about his success with headed goals this season, he said it was down to his expanding bald spot.
After picking up the PFA Player of the Year award, Rooney hailed Lionel Messi as the best in the world and admitted the Argentina and Barcelona star was in a different class to him. "It’s nice that people put me up there but I think Messi is the best," Rooney said. "The things he can do with the ball are unbelievable and he’s scoring a lot of goals as well. "He’s been fantastic again this year. He’s the best player in the world."
Wayne Rooney's injuries spark World Cup fears - dnaindia.com
According to reports, the England managerial team are concerned that they are not being kept fully in the loop by United regarding Rooney’s fitness and will swiftly seek some clarification of how serious the problem is. England manager Fabio Capello, who is expected to name his provisional squad on May 11, will also have been concerned at the continued absence of his captain Rio Ferdinand.
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney banishes World Cup fears after winning PFA award - Telegraph
That news will be a relief both to Ferguson and Fabio Capello, who has been anxiously monitoring his striker’s fitness ever since he suffered the ankle injury in the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich earlier this month.
Award-winner Rooney says WCup fitness not in doubt - USATODAY.com
Rooney is hoping to play in the last match against Stoke. United is a point behind leader Chelsea. The 24-year-old forward maintains he will not miss England's World Cup opener against United States on June 12. "The groin will be fine for the World Cup, there are no worries about that," Rooney said. "I'm hoping to play for United in the last game of the season."
Rooney: Groin will be "fine" for the World Cup - ESPN Soccernet
After collecting the PFA Player of the Year award on Sunday night, Wayne Rooney declared his groin injury is not cause for concern ahead of the World Cup finals and that he is hoping to return for Manchester United before the end of the season.
Rooney: I'll be fit for World Cup finals - CNN.com
Wayne Rooney insists he will be fit to lead England's charge for the World Cup after injury curtailed the Manchester United striker's English Premier League season.
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