Ander Herrera believes that Wayne Rooney is still world class, despite not possessing the pace of other Manchester United forwards.
Rooney was again the provider in the Red Devils’ win at Norwich, racking up his fifth assist of the Premier League season with a pass to Juan Mata, and despite his lack of goals this season, Herrera believes that his team-mate can be the difference in the race for fourth place.
"Wayne is a world-class player," Herrera told reporters after the game at Carrow Road.
"He’s a very good captain and he’s not selfish, so you always have to have Wayne in the team and in the dressing room. Some of the big players are so selfish sometimes but Wayne isn’t and that’s so important."
The Spain international believes that Rooney’s strengths are his selfishness and ability to create chances from deep; attributes which make up for the mobility that he has lost in recent years.
"I know Marcus [Rashford] and Anthony [Martial] are quicker, but we know Wayne’s qualities," said Herrera.
"He can assist, he can hold the ball very well and he can play as one midfielder more [an extra midfielder] when we have the ball. That’s important when you are a team that likes to be the protagonist in the game.
Goalscorer Juan Mata joined his team-mate in praising Rooney, claiming that he should be in Roy Hodgson's plans for Euro 2016.
"Wayne does not have anything to prove. He is a great player and will always be a great player. He can play as a striker, a winger and a midfielder as he has shown in the last few weeks," Mata is quoted as saying by the Mirror.
"I would imagine that [England manager] Roy Hodgson is very happy with the positions that Wayne can play in. Also with the experience he can bring to the dressing room.
"[Against Norwich] Wayne got an assist and showed very good movement. He played a great ball. Wayne is important for us no matter which position he plays in."
...
- Goal