We were somewhat spoiled watching Robbie for two decades and he certainly developed into a different player as his career progressed to be more cerebral and opportunistic in his play but I watched back Ireland V Spain from the 2002 World Cup at the start of lockdown and has forgotten just how much a live wire he used to be. He looked the most dynamic attacking player on the field any time he got on the ball.
He was carrying some weight when he came back to Liverpool in 2006. Actually came on as a sub in the Champions League semi-final of 2007 against Chelsea.
He was electric. They’d knock it over the top and he’d be gone like a whippet and a lethal finisher. Went on to have a great career, but a pity about a few missteps at vital times club wise. Inter Milan, into a team with 4 unbelievable strikers, then Liverpool where the manager wouldn’t play him as a point of principal. Both momentum killers for him that took him time to get back from at key times in his career
Ryan Giggs was absolutely incredible when he broke through at 17. Before his first hamstring injury he was pretty much unmarkable.
Some shout. Saw the 84 UEFA cup final recently and he literally ran the show in midfield as an 18 year old.
His headed goal v ROI in 1986 was a thing of beauty . His career never really took off like it should have
He was burnt out at 26. Italia 90 he was still one of the best players in the world imo. Got a hat trick v Uruguay and ran England ragged in a game I’d say they are still wondering how they lost. His peak like Rooney funnily enough was before they hit 27 which is usually the yardstick
A good poll would be Wayne Rooney before age 22 vs Michael Owen before age 22. Two very different forwards, they’d probably make an unbelievable partnership.
Wayne Rooney
They played together at the 2004 Euros and 2006 World Cup sure.