“Remember the name: Wayne Rooney!”
19th October 2012. Ten years to the day since 16 year-old Everton starlet Wayne Rooney made a stunning impact on the football world with the winning goal against Arsenal.
Finding space on the edge of the area, the teenager hit a beautifully curling shot that looped over David Seaman’s head, leaving “Safe Hands” flailing.
At the time, he was the youngest goalscorer in the Premier League – since usurped by fellow former Evertonian James Vaughan.
Arsene Wenger said soon afterwards that Rooney was the best young English talent he had ever seen. An England debut and huge Manchester United transfer followed (with a hat-trick on his debut), and after a stunning performance at UEFA Euro 2012, Rooney was one of the most exciting players in the world.
Has he lived up to his potential though?
Perhaps not. Whilst still a very good player, Rooney looked someone truly special when he begun his career.
Rarely now do you see him running at players with the ball, and unfortunately his unpredictability and flair appears to have been coached out of him.
What could Wayne Rooney have become?
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