Man Utd great Rooney: Grealish nearest I've seen to Gazza

Football
13 Jun 2021 • 9:26 PM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

Tribal Football covers news from the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A

Manchester United great Wayne Rooney has likened Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish to Paul Gascoigne.

Rooney, who is England and Manchester United's record goalscorer, believes that Grealish could 'light up' Euro 2020 ahead of a potential move.

Speaking to The Times, Rooney said: "Jack Grealish is the closest thing I've seen to Gazza on a football pitch.

"He has a lot to do to reach Gazza's levels but his style of play, the way he takes the ball and runs with it in a way that is so awkward to play against, his sheer confidence on the field – it all reminds me of the legend I watched at Everton, and then trained with when I joined their first-team squad.

"For England, I think Harry Kane is the most important player but Grealish is the one who is going to light up the tournament. He has to play. "Just like Gazza, his style is suited to the international game, where moments of inspiration often make the difference. If you're looking for someone to open a team up with a bit of magic then Grealish is the one who can do it for Gareth Southgate's side.

"He attracts defenders, draws fouls and wins free kicks in dangerous areas. He creates chances and scores goals too.

"Foden is a top player, a footballer who – as you see at Manchester City – will link play up, pass and move and can dribble too. But it's Grealish who commits defenders more, dragging them out of position, which will create space for other players."