Birmingham coach says Rooney in same league as Platini, Zizou
August 17th, 2009 - 4:39 pm ICT by ANI
London, Aug 17(ANI): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is clearly relishing the challenge set for him by Sir Alex Ferguson, even as compliments pour in after he played a pivotal role in Man U’s 1-0 victory over Birmingham on Sunday.
Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish complimented Rooney by pitching him in the same company as former French football players Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane.
“He’s a huge talent, a natural footballer. You get the Zidanes and the Platinis of this world - I’ve seen them over the years - they are just naturals, and Rooney is like that. They are difficult to coach,” The Daily Express quoted McLeish, as saying.”Rooney’s so hard to pin down. We did say if he comes deeper don’t be too concerned, although you have to close him down because if he faces up he has a vicious shot,” he added.
McLeish appreciated Rooney’s quick reaction when his 34th-minute header struck the post to tap the rebound past Birmingham goalkeeper Joe Hart and defender Franck Queudrue.
“He did well for the goal, drifting off Franck Queudrue to get his header in. It was Franck’s only mistake of the game. But, I can’t criticise my players too much because we were playing against some world-class players and I can take confidence from this performance,” McLeish said. (ANI)
- Holman agrees Aston Villa deal - Mar 13, 2012
- Manchester United bounce back to go joint - Dec 16, 2009
- Birmingham confirm signing of midfielder Ferguson - Jul 18, 2009
- Liverpool fans, ex-greats want coach Rafa to quit - Jan 15, 2010
- Draw casts Liverpool deeper into gloom - Nov 10, 2009
- McClaren tells Fergie that he can't tame Rooney - Apr 08, 2011
- Premier League managers don't like signing Englishmen - Jul 27, 2010
- Zidane wants Ribery to join Real Madrid not Man U - Jun 15, 2009
- Platini rules out contesting FIFA presidency post - May 28, 2011
- Fox Sports poll names Zidane as 'Footballer Of The Decade' - Dec 18, 2009
- Zidane criticises French players for not playing as a team - Jun 14, 2010
- Ads mimicking Zidane head-butt banned - Jun 11, 2010
- Drogba double takes Chelsea back to summit - Feb 08, 2010
- Ribery starts on the bench against India - Jan 10, 2012
- Zidane signs on for Soccer Aid - Apr 23, 2010
Tags: alex ferguson, birmingham city, compliments, daily express, footballer, franck queudrue, french football players, goalkeeper, joe hart, manchester united, michel platini, minute header, mistake, pivotal role, rebound, sir alex ferguson, striker, wayne rooney, zinedine zidane, zizou