Wayne Rooney’s Team of the Year Revealed - with some BIG calls

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0:31Snapdragon, that's how. Who else is playing up front? I'm desperate to put Jokras in. No way does he make it. Are you putting him in over Erling Haaland? No, no, I'm not. But I'm desperate. I really want to put him in. For me, when he first joined Man United, I was a bit unsure. I remember speaking to Adam Fletcher over Bruno and Fletcher was telling me how good he is and how good he is with the players. He's a leader. You can see he thinks about football a lot. He takes it really serious. It's funny, actually. I used to play poke-ups with Tabaret. Was he good? He wanted to play out. He didn't want to play in golf.

1:03Oh, really? Well, it's that time of year, isn't it? Everyone's debating who should win Player of the Year or make it in Team of the Year. So let's try and pick a Team of the Year. This is going to be fun. What's the first thing, Wayne, that you think of when you're picking a Team of the Year? Is it about players from top teams? Are you looking for the underrated gems? How do you go about picking it? I think, firstly, you have to look at who wins the league. or who's in contention to win the league. That's the first thing I think you'd look at. And then which players have had standout seasons, whether that's from, you know, you look at Bournemouth, what they've done, Brentford, Brighton, there's all good players who've done well in their team.

1:48So have they stood out enough to get in team of the season? So, yeah, there's a few different aspects to look at, but normally the teams are challenging, I think, the ones you go with. I feel like it could be quite interesting this year because there's a lot of like other teams like you mentioned, like Bournemouth there, a lot of the non-traditional top six, so to speak, have had really good seasons. So there's a bit more debate around it, it feels like. Yeah, on one hand, I think, yeah, there's a lot of players from like so-called mid-table shows that have been doing really well. But I think you look at some of the players that are top teams and they've had really, really good seasons and you can't overlook what they've done.

2:25Okay, so the ground rules are this. Premier League performances only. Availability, consider how much they've been available. They can't have just played the last four games. No reputation pick, so they have to have actually played well. And the best individual season, not the biggest name. So let's start with goalkeeper. Are we picking the England squad here, are we? Although I wonder if there'll be a few England players in there. Let's go with goalkeeper. I get the feeling this might be quite a short conversation. Yeah, for me, I picked it to have a bit. I think he's been the best keeper he's been consistent over the last few years as well I think he's been the best keeper Donnarum has done well as well I think in his first he's done well but he's had some errors hasn't he and Le Mans as well he's done well he's come in there's a big pressure at Man United to go in and be a goalkeeper at Man United but I just think Raya has been a level up I know you could argue I know a few people have said but look at the defence in front of him and I think probably when we got onto the defence we might see a few Arsenal defenders in there but what is it about him do you think that actually helps the defence that sets him apart?

3:28I think there's agility he's quick he's quick off his line he's good with the ball at his feet he's not afraid to come for crosses you'll be seeing it obviously a few days ago where he's come for him there's obviously a lot of controversy around that but he's good at everything I think his speed across the line is very good it's interesting because him and Donnarum are really different in terms of how they are as goalkeepers. I think Donnarumma makes some massive saves and keeps sitting in games at times. But I think having Raya consistently has been really good. I also think Raya's better at set pieces.

4:04He's better at commanding his box as well than Donnarumma is. I think he's a lot better at him than that. And I like the way he makes himself big straight away whenever there's a threat close to him. He makes himself big. It's almost like Peter Schmeichel-esque where he's like... It's mad because he's not the biggest, is he? Do you remember when they brought him in from, he was at Brentford, wasn't he? And they had Aaron Ramsdale already and Arteta wasn't, well said outwardly, didn't he, that he was going to kind of have two number ones. You've been very complimentary of Arteta this season. Bringing him in was actually a really impressive bit of business.

4:36It was brave, yeah, because Ramsdale was doing well. And I think Reyes come in as he and Arteta probably knew he was bringing him in to be the number one. And gradually, it was a bit like what happened with me with Zlatan, with United. where I was playing I knew who's Latin me who's brought to Latin in he's going to play him and then when he's brought Ray in it was only a matter of time really I felt before Ray it's funny actually I used to play pro clubs with David Ray did you? it was just bad it was from nowhere it was Wes Brown was at Blackburn it was when he was at Blackburn and Wes come on with David Ray he was on so we were all in pro clubs and then obviously I stopped playing pro clubs and then he's gone on And obviously, to Bradford, doing really well in the intermarsal.

5:20Was he good? He was right, yeah. He wanted to play out. So he didn't want to play in goal. So, yeah, he was good, yeah. Just at risk of, because he is such a standard option, should we kind of give any other honourable mentions? I think he was right with Lemons. Senna Lemons came in like you don't hear about Man United's goalkeeping problems anymore. He certainly did before that, didn't he? Yeah, exactly. Like with Andre Anana before that and by India, you saw loads of errors. because Lemons has come in and even when he does make an error, it's like he forgets about it straight away and he goes back to being solid again.

5:52I think he'll be the United's keeper for the next 10 years or so. I think consistency is key. You've seen Pickford. Pickford's been really good to get in this season. Lemons has been consistent and steady all season. For me, Donald Ruman and Rhea are the two standout ones this season. but I just think Reyes for his consistency and his moment as well he's had some some of the saves he's made this season reminds me a little bit of Pickford actually where both consistently good both good enough with the feet agile but have massive moments and make unbelievable saves and Reyes just stood out above it's almost bad how little he went for Donnarumma and how good he's been he went for like what 20-30 million something like that and he's had And he's young, he was 26, was he?

6:43Okay, let's move on to the defence. We're going with the back four? Yeah, no Ruben Amarinds over here. Okay, we'll go with the back four. And I get the feeling there's going to be a bit of a theme in your back four with one club dominating, maybe? I think so. I think right back, that's definitely go Timber. I know he's been injured of late, but I think he's been the standout full-back. I've had a few full-backs who've done well, but I think he's been the standout right back for me in the season. OK, shall we go centre-backs? Arsenal theme here? Yes, Gabriel and Saliba, isn't it? Yeah, I agree, yeah.

7:17Virgil? Well, listen, every year. What year is it? Every year, Van Dijk would be, he's been unbelievable. This year, he hasn't had the season, he'd probably call for it. Gabriel and Saliba are going to go down as one of the best partnerships that the league see. They've been phenomenal together. And I think where you've got to... I won't go that far. I was going to say, I can see Wayne. Wayne was going back in time thinking... No, but if you're looking at, like, you've got Rio and Vidic, you've got Carvalho and Terry. I mean, even if you go further at Bruce and Palace. No, no, I'm not thinking that.

7:51I just think you need to do it for a period of time. But they can, I think. No, they can, but they've been brilliant this season. But then to get to that status, you need to do that for a period of time. And you've got the potential to do it, but to do it for this season with the league, I think they have to go on again. Like you look at, as you said, Vintage and Rio. And then even in the 90s, you know, you had partnerships. Like when Japs Stam and... Ronnie Onsen. He had different partners alongside them. But I think to do it for, you know, two or three years, then you can start staying to that level.

8:31OK. Let's do left back then, because is that the one position in your back four where you're not going with Arsenal? Yeah, I think for Arsenal, they've changed haven't he the left back all season and so I don't think you can put an Arsenal player in there Nick O 'Reilly O 'Reilly's a standout one I'd say he doesn't always play at left back though does he yeah but that's for me he plays left back and ends up in the centre forward position which is a great trade to have obviously the way City play I'll give you some other options but I think when you hear the other options it maybe makes him stand out even more like Anthony Robinson's had a really good season and Nunes at City has been really good as well.

9:11Calafiore, if you wanted to go with Arsenal. Yeah, no, I think... So O 'Reilly, isn't it? Yeah, I think O 'Reilly is probably the most most standout one. OK, and he's young. It's exciting for England as well, isn't it? Let's go for midfield then. Who would your midfield three be? I'd go with one holding midfield player in two eights. It's one name. There's only one name I can think of, really. Arsenal? Yeah, Declan Rice. Yeah, and he plays at eight as well, so... Where's he playing in your team? Just on the pitch. Just get him in there. I'd go right and then I'd go in front from Bruno and Cherki.

9:47Yeah. You could even make a case for Anderson, given how well he's done. Yeah, I'd get that. I'd almost be tempted to put Anderson and then put Cherki on the wing just because I feel like if you've got two other talented players playing up top with him, they can just all interchange. I'd really like Elliot Anderson. and I hope Man United sign him I think he's a top player I just don't think he can get in team of the year finishing like 15, 16 But has he not been a big part of why they've I know it's not in Europe but obviously they did really well in Europe but also they have stayed up and he's shone in a team that's struggled Yeah I get that but I just think Cherky coming in has been really good Bruno has been top Rice has been top so I just think I'd rather go with one of them players who are being influential in terms of and I guess for Forrest the big thing maybe he is staying in the league especially how the season's gone we've got four different managers but I just think when you're a top player I think if I look at Bruno I think what he's doing when you're a top player you make them players around you better as well and I think that's a skill that's all part of the process of becoming a top player and that's certain I think he's still to learn and I think he will do I think over the next few years he's going to be a huge player both for England and if he stays at Forest or as everyone thinks he might leave Forest whoever he goes to Just throw some other names at you then Sir Bozlai has he impressed you in a Liverpool team that's not had the season it wanted?

11:20No No, no he has he's been he's been Liverpool's two best players but not as much as people I think people are going a little bit over the top on it because I think he's been really good and he's been poor at right back which is not his fault it's not his fault He's a midfield player, a tackle midfield player, I think. And he scored a few really incredible, unbelievable, some of the best free kicks you'll ever see. At important times as well. Yeah. Yeah. But actually, I'm not too sure on, you know, putting him in the team of the year, ahead of Cherky or Bruno Odaklin-Rais. Morgan Rodgers. Yeah, you could say he's...

11:59I think he had a very good period. and then he went to periods where he weren't as good and then he seems to come back outside into a good run of form at the right time hopefully there's also been suggestions hasn't there particularly with his first half of the season that he could start for England over Jude Bellingham which shows maybe how good do you think I think he will yeah I think he'll start the tournament and then it's up to Jude to fight for his place if that's what it is and time forces way back in okay so you've gone with Declan Rice Bruno Fernandes and Shirky just a bit more on Bruno because I know you both love him you've obviously spent a bit of time with him recently as well just what has he done to United has he single-handedly not single-handedly but virtually dragged them back to where or towards where they want to be no he's been the main part and that's what I was saying before about Eli Lanson the best players bring players with them you drag players along with them make them better and I think Bruno's done that and set standards I think people can look at Bruno and think you know he's shouting his teammates on the pitch and you know he's having a goal to referee or whatever I think that's a big part of his character and keeping the standards up and keeping players on their toes and it's never easy when a team goes through a manager change and especially when I think Bruno's played with Amaran as well so especially when it's probably someone who Bruno was close to so when you've come to a change of manager and to still you know hit them targets he's hit and set the standards for his teammates, if I'm being honest, he was being the first player on there for me.

13:36Yeah, and I think one of the most important things to realise is he's got an assist record while he played half the season as a defensive midfielder. And people sort of forget that. He wasn't playing in his preferred position up until there was a manager change. So to do that from a six... Take the leash off your laptop with the processor that gives you long battery life. Work on the go. Jump between back-to-back calls. Stay locked in from brewing morning coffee to burning the midnight oil. Get maximum performance, even when unplugged. Finally, the freedom to move across the room or across the world is here.

14:19Snapdragon, that's how. It's amazing, isn't it?

14:31Was this the first time when you interviewed him that you'd kind of spent a prolonged period in his company? Yeah, more or less, yeah. I've obviously seen him around saying he'd a few times and said hello and not in depth or whatever. So that was the first time. Did he surprise you at all? He did, yeah. I think his knowledge of football, you could see, is clear. And for me, when he first joined Man United, I was a bit unsure, even being honest. and I think the perception what a lot of people who I speak to as well it's like I don't really like how he is on the pitch and stuff I think a lot of people say that but I remember speaking to Adam Fletcher you know a few years back over Bruno and Fletcher was telling me how good he is and how good he is with the players and as a captain and stuff so then I was like okay that changed me man without even and then obviously when I met him a few weeks ago he was brilliant and not just with me but everyone who was there he was brilliant with everyone that shows obviously he's a leader you know he thinks about football a lot he takes it really serious and he wants to be better the best he can and he wants his teammates to be better which I think is really important When I met him and interviewed him I found he was so humble and he was it's like when you go back as football fans like probably when you watch him you think oh he's a bit moaning maybe he liked that as a United fan but he does feel like he's moaning a bit that's the kind of maybe the outsider's view I think that's a lot of media narrative as well I think when people We talk about my...

15:55I think certain players are just passionate in different ways. I think certain players like shouting at players around him or whatever. Well, I said that. I just said about how he was with his teammates. I was exactly the same. Do you know what I mean? Yeah. And that's what you do and that helps. That used to help me get stuff off my chest. But with some teammates it was helping with some teammates it was probably a bit too much. Yeah. So, yeah, I was exactly the same. All that stuff you were talking about as well like Darren Fletcher was saying off the pitch and stuff like around the training ground and stuff that's the kind of stuff where I think if you take 100 million from him you're not replacing all of that stuff that he does off the pitch for 100 million with any other player I think yeah I think well I think with fans as well you get sucked into 100 million would you say the fans don't know what's going on with the money where it's going it really annoys me because it's not like your own company would you say 100 million but can you use 100 million so it's no I know I know what you mean, but you know when people are like, I'll just cash in on him and go.

16:59But it's like you're not replacing Bruno Fernandes for£100 million at Man United. Before we move on to the front three, a word on Shirky, because his second half of the season in particular has been incredible, hasn't it? What do you really like about him? Yeah, I think he's been a major part of City getting back in the title race. Because I think at one point, look, Arsenal were, you know, drifting away with the title. and he's been a big reason, not the only reason, but a big one why City have got back in the title race. What I like about him is he takes risks, a bit like Bruno as well. He takes risks, he creates moments of magic.

17:33He might frustrate it as well and give the ball away at times, but he creates moments for himself and his teammates, which is very difficult for other players to do that. You mentioned that. Has he done it all season though? No, I think the way Pep plays and he changes the team at times as well. and he's basically keeping Phil Foden out of the team Phil Foden's a top player and so he hasn't done it all season but I think he's done it at the time when City needed him most He slimmed down a bit and then he's been absolutely amazing I'm being serious when he played for Lyon last season he was a lot bigger but then when he's come to the Premier League he's obviously taken some time to adapt and he looks a lot more mobile and he's like Wayne said he's taking risks he's running at defenders and I almost think there's like a he's sort of a throwback player to what we fell in love with when you were watching football as a kid.

18:23A bit more unpredictable. Yeah, like I think there's been such a focus on football players being efficient and their numbers looking good that it's sort of like taken away from actually having entertaining players because they're like, oh, well, you know, that's going to take your pass completion down and that's going to take... Well, football's gone that way and it's, you know, the stats now in football is mad and when you look at goal involvement and stuff and it's coming up and you're like what's going on do you know what I mean and assists have always been there but probably not as popular as what they are you'd never you know what we've heard with De Bruyne and obviously now with Bruno you're never he's going to break the assist record probably never even a thing you know 10 years ago now you're watching Bruno pass all the time when the shot's on aren't you because he's desperate to break the record I was watching the last game and I was thinking that and he actually went he was in the areas where he could have passed in I think there was a couple of games ago where he did it so maybe maybe Michael said to him I think he should get the assist for Cisco's call just because it comes off someone he's played the pass he's meant to play it there and just because the keeper brushes it what's his keeper?

19:32or there's a little brush on it he doesn't get the assist ok let's move on let's not debate that front three City's front three isn't it? is it? Semenyo if you're playing Cherky in the middle then it's going to be Semenya and then it's going to be Doku and then you've got Haaland who else is playing up front? I agree I'm desperate to put Jokic in No way does he make it? You're absolutely having a bubble Are you putting him in over Erling Haaland? No, no, I'm not but I'm desperate I really want to put him in How are you going to get him in, Wayne? And this Doku's been But then again you look Has he done it all since then?

20:11He's done it for Yeah A period of time which you're like I think he's only scored five goals he's done it since Wayne Seaton I don't think wingers have been amazing this year can I give you some other names go on then ok Bakayosaka no not this season he's potentially had injuries and not been available as much Semenyo's next one on my list Harry Wilson Harry Wilson he's had a brilliant season maybe tailed off a little bit now Anthony Gordon Wayne's not going to agree with that Martinelli I like Anthony Gordon No Do you? No it was when you said Wayne's not going to agree with that Oh no For me Anthony Gordon Has to start a friend Oh do you think?

20:52The World Cup yeah I'd like Anthony Gordon It was when you said Wayne won't agree with that I was like why are you starting No I just think If this was a Champions League one You'd like to put him in But Premier League He hasn't had his Newcastle Best season Skip over that bit Okay maybe the fact That I've not listed so many there Backs up your point Yeah I don't think We've had a strong season For winners And Bumal's done really well Yeah, but till AFCON. And then ever since he's come back from AFCON, he's had a dry spell and he's not been as effective as he would have been. Yeah, it's not been a strong year for wingers because even people like Mo Salah, who traditionally you'd say, be amazing, hasn't really done much this season.

21:30There's not been that many standouts. Wayne's going to do a different formation. You push Cherky on the left and Semenyo on the right, whether you go Jokeres up front. we're not having your current you can't put your current team in a season man I'm sorry it's getting weird though you've literally become an Arsenal fan he's only for this little period he's working for Arsenal's recruitment team or something bro no but what I'm saying is and I've said I've been consistent with this all season about Jokras I think he got to stick a little bit unfairly sometimes it was wanted as well but I think he has really been a you know that point for Arsenal where he has freed up some of the players and Arsenal's front he hasn't haven't I hear you wait he has scored over 20 goals as well hasn't he which I think people forget yeah he has so I think for his first season so has Thiago though now Thiago as well yeah he's won Thiago's another one to be fair if Erling the only other one I would say on the wing is Ryan from is it Bournemouth yeah I think he's been absolutely amazing towards the second half of the season but yeah like with With players up front, I think Thiago's probably the only one.

22:43I think your career is even... Wayne, I love you, but I think even Arsenal fans wouldn't put him team of the season. I don't know, you know. I don't think... I think there's a lot of love from Arsenal fans for him. Now, yeah. But towards the beginning of the season... Go on, Wayne, redo your formation. How are you thinking you might do it? No, to be honest, like you said it, when I'm thinking of it, I probably would put Thiago in there. Yeah? With Haaland. Yeah, I'd go Thiago and Haaland and Cherky off the left. Okay. you persuaded him that was quite impressive I think sometimes you just forget but like I think what Semenya had done at the beginning of the season as well to get him his move to City as well was amazing yeah no he's been good Mark Gay he's been really good to City went to City as well he's done well for Palace a little bit before that but yeah I think you've got to go Thiago and Haaland two top goal scorers as well in the league so who do you take out midfield as well or are you not taking anybody out I'm just moving Cherky to the left for you.

23:39Doku for me is incredible. I think the next few years for Doku are going to be top, like one of the best players out there. But I do think he hasn't done it consistently all season. When you look at Winger, goals and assists, his numbers aren't there for the season. Can I say Ryan gets an honourable mention? We can have a bench if you want. Oh yeah, I'll put Ryan on a bench. Jokeres. Jokeres first sub. Okay then, So, keeper, Raya, you're back four. Can you say it in case I forget it? Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, O 'Reilly. Yeah. Midfield three? Two. I'm sorry. I'm going for a two. The best managers admit their mistakes and change things in game.

24:25Go on then. Yeah, we should go for Bruno and Declan Rice. And then your front three? Four. Four. I can't count to 11. Two wide men. We've gone Cherki and Tomenio. And then Thiago and Haaland. Who's your manager going to be? Mikel Arteta. What about a manager that's completely defied expectations? I'd go Keith Andrews. No, I completely get that. I understand that. You've got Keith Andrews, you've got Areola, David Moyes. It has to be Arteta. Yeah. I was a bit of a tongue-in-cheek with Keith Andrews, but I do think he deserves a mention. They were tipped every one of the tippings go down. Yeah, even Wayne said that they're going down.

25:03Even Mr. I get all my predictions right got that one wrong. But I think, yeah, what he's done there, like, has defied expectations. A lot of people were quite unfairly going, he's just a set-piece coach. And he's gone and, like, done really, really well. But, yeah, I think whoever does... He sustained what Thomas Frank was doing, basically, I think. But, yeah, that gets you into a whole different conversation about how well run a club is. Yeah, no, so what Thomas Frank was doing, he sustained that level of consistency, which Brentford have had. he deserves a lot of praise a lot of credit and I just held my hands up on matches today when I said I tipped him to go down I was so wrong on that Okay we're going across the course of the whole season but I do wonder if you'd have put Michael Carrick in there if he'd been there for the whole season or maybe even what he's done he's got United back into the Champions League We'd have been in a title race if we'd have sacked Emmering off the Grimsby If he'd done what he's done for the whole season he would have done the league because I think he's picked up more points than any of the managers since he's been in so yeah obviously he hasn't been there the full season so you wouldn't put him in maybe this time next year we'd be sitting there putting him in yeah I agree I think we should have sacked him after Grimsby and brought Carrick in we'd have we'd have been having a very different conversation right now the team of the year would have looked like Casemiro Bruno Dorgou but we've put Bruno in the two of them in midfield the same way Amarind did that's what we just that's what we just did with our team so you're as bad as Amarind but what I'm doing is just getting attacking players in what about your overall player of the season then Jokeres get out of here man alright end of podcast you adapted your whole formation for Jokeres and then still didn't put Jokeres in no for me Bruno he's recently just won the football writers played the year and I just think how influential he's been Man United we've obviously spoke about it but if we go through that so it has to be someone from that team of the year you'd assume and if I go to all the players in the team I wouldn't give it to Thiago I wouldn't give it to Haaland this season and for me it was out of Bruno and Declan Rice where Man United have been over the last few years and I think he's been a major part of getting them back in the Champions League so I'd give it to Bruno Given the fact that Arsenal haven't won the league what is it over 20 years would that not a player like Declan Rice who's been so key for them would that not be a reason to give it to him?

27:37Yeah no it's a fair point I think for me it's one of them too so it is one of them too if Declan Rice wins play the year I have no complaints whatsoever I think the difference is without Bruno Fernandes we'd probably be in a relegation scrap we'd probably be I wouldn't go that far I genuinely think there was no creative outlets apart from him in our team this season and I mean I think what Declan Rice has done I actually think Declan Rice was better last season than he was this season. Really? Yeah. But I think he is really influential and we've seen him this season. We've seen him last week at right back.

28:15We've seen him play in different positions and he's such a clever player. He can play as a whole midfield player. He can play as a number eight. I think there was a period not so long ago where he was struggling a little bit, I felt. But what he brings to Arsenal is he brings energy, he brings a desire I think he brings a winning mentality there's no coincidence West Ham won the Conference League with him as captain where I think for United a lot of it has been because of Michael Cader coming in and because of Bruno Have you ever met the Ocaras yet? No I really hope you do Played against them actually well I didn't play I was manager when he was at Coventry Are you surprised with how well he's done?

28:56No because I think what he is he's a player who he's an old school number nine and it's good to see that coming back okay I think we've mentioned most of the managers that have had good seasons as well that's where we'll leave it a reminder you can watch the Wayne Rooney show on the BBC Sport YouTube or iPlay or you can listen on BBC Sounds

29:40Fuck. Oh, I've lived every ball of this. Listen on BBC Sounds.

29:50Take the leash off your laptop with the processor that gives you long battery life. Work on the go. Jump between back-to-back calls. Stay locked in from brewing morning coffee to burning the midnight oil. Get maximum performance, even when unplugged. Finally, the freedom to move across the room or across the world is here. Snapdragon, that's how.