Wayne Rooney: “Lamine reminds me of 2004 and Nico, of Cristiano”

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are the joint sensations of this Euro 2024a very general impression among analysts and observers watching the competition that ends this Sunday (9 pm) with the grand final between Spain and England. The last legend spoke with admiration at the two extremes of ‘the red’ is Wayne Rooney. The former Manchester United forward, who at 38 years old is the coach of Plymouth Argyle FC of the EFL Championship, made a bold comparison when referring to the Barça winger and the Athletic winger, who is also wanted by the Barça club. “Lamine reminds me of what I was at Euro 2004 and Nico, of Cristiano Ronaldo when he was young,” he said.

Explaining these parallels, Rooney gave details of what, in his opinion, both bands contribute to the Spanish team itself and the tournament itself. “Lamine Yamal He will be full of confidence after his brilliant goal against France and reminds me a bit of what I was like at Euro 2004: a teenager who is very happy. Williams is exceptional. I remember Cristiano Ronaldo when he was young. He’s a big kid, he takes the ball and sometimes he tries too hard, but he usually makes the right decisions. He is an incredible threat in one-on-one situations. and scoring goals too,” he described.

For England to win a major international title for the first time since the 1966 World Cup, Rooney recommended that his team consider the potential of Lamine and Williams. “England will need to defend well on the flanks against Spain, as their two bright young wingers are their main threat. England must be careful,” he added.

Of course to the youngsters, Rooney A “decisive” role predicted for 19-year-old Englishman Kobbie Mainoo, from Manchester United. “I have a feeling about Mainoo and the final, that will score and it will be decisive.” About another young man like Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid midfielder, Rooney spoke in more ambiguous terms, praising or blaming the same message. “Bellingham did an important job for the team against Holland and seems to have found the balance, in terms of mentality, because In the group stage he failed and it’s good to see that he passed that stage.”Since his bicycle kick against Slovakia he has not reached the level which we believe he can achieve, but his presence on the field is huge and helps England a lot,” he concluded.