Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney has hailed Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as a top player ahead of England’s 2022 World Cup.
Rooney also warned Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling that Saka could keep him out of England’s team, adding that the Arsenal star puts him under pressure.
Saka and Sterling appear to be competing for the same place in England manager Gareth Southgate’s starting XI.
Saka has helped Arsenal move five points clear at the top of the English Premier League table, scoring four goals and registering six assists in 14 matches,
Sterling, on the other hand, has largely struggled following his £50million move to Chelsea from Manchester City last summer.
However, despite Sterling’s struggles this season, Rooney says it would be hard for Southgate to leave him out of his World Cup starting XI squad and insisted that no one could complain if he started England’s first against Iran next week.
“On the right, it is a difficult one,” Rooney told The Times. “For England, Sterling has been very good and Saka is a top player, so I would play either of them off the right.
“I played many games with Sterling and he improved a lot. Working with Pep Guardiola at City improved him tactically.
“As shown in the past two tournaments, he [Sterling] can be a crucial player for England.
“Saka puts Sterling under pressure, though. He plays with no fear and we have been talking about players not being in club form, but he’s the opposite: he has been in great form for Arsenal.
“They are great options for Gareth [Southgate] and I think in different games, he will change his team up. I don’t think anyone could complain whichever one is chosen.”
World Cup: Saka puts you under pressure – Rooney warns Chelsea forward
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