Today’s centre-backs can’t compare to past legends — Rooney

Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has questioned the quality of modern-day defenders, claiming that the current generation is “nowhere near” the standard of the greats he faced during his playing career.

According to BBC Sport, speaking on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the former Manchester United and England captain reflected on the defenders he faced throughout his 19-year senior career — particularly during his time at United, when the club was consistently competing in the Champions League.

“In this current age, the centre-backs are nowhere near as good as the ones I played against,” the 39-year-old said.

Out of the current Premier League crop, he cites Arsenal’s William Saliba and Gabriel as the best pair.

“Saliba and Gabriel complement each other really well,” he said.

“You can see them leading and talking, that is what you need, you need talkers and leaders as centre-backs.

“Would I put them at the same level as players I have played against? No, I wouldn’t. But they are possibly the best pairing on this day,” he said.

He was quick to praise Manchester United duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and said both would have been included in his overall list of top five defenders.