Graeme Souness praises Wayne Rooney’s punditry while favouring selective commentary
Graeme Souness has praised Wayne Rooney’s insights as a television pundit, expressing a preference for his analysis over other commentators he often mutes, reports BritPanorama.
The 72-year-old former Liverpool midfielder and Sky Sports pundit, who left his role after the 2022/23 season, highlighted Rooney as a notable exception in his selective viewing habits. “I like listening to Wayne Rooney as a pundit because he talks common sense,” Souness stated, underscoring his admiration for the Manchester United legend’s insights.
In addition to praising Rooney’s credibility, Souness noted, “I love Wayne Rooney as a player, and I like to listen to him. He has got authority so I can listen to him.” This endorsement reflects the respect Souness holds for Rooney’s transition from player to analyst.
Rooney’s broadcasting career has flourished, marked by a reported £800,000 annual contract with the BBC alongside his appearances on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage. Nonetheless, his recent foray into management yielded mixed results; brief stints at Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle produced disappointing outcomes.
Souness particularly lauded Rooney’s analytical approach, remarking, “If you’re putting together an all-time Manchester United team, Wayne Rooney is one of the first names on the sheet; he was a real warrior.” This respect for Rooney was evident as he addressed the controversial remarks the former striker made regarding Liverpool’s leadership during a challenging period for the team.
Rooney had specifically raised concerns about the conduct of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, labelling their behaviour a “big concern.” This critique placed Rooney in the spotlight, particularly as he was scheduled to provide commentary for Amazon Prime during Liverpool’s upcoming match against Real Madrid.
The situation escalated as Van Dijk dismissed Rooney’s comments as “lazy,” foreshadowing a potentially tense encounter when they met following the match. The backdrop of Liverpool’s Champions League clash added to the intrigue surrounding their televised reunion.
Van Dijk later addressed the issue, stating, “In a world of chaos, you have to try to stay calm and take the perspective of things,” indicating a desire to anchor discussions around their roles amid intense scrutiny.
The exchange concluded with Rooney lightening the mood, playfully commenting, “I’m not saying anything any more, I think I’ve spurred them on and put them on a winning streak!” However, Van Dijk defended his leadership, countering suggestions of complacency by asserting, “If you watch games, I definitely take responsibility!”
As the dynamics of commentary grow ever more intertwined with managerial and playing roles, the interactions between figures like Rooney and Van Dijk highlight just how tightly sport remains woven with performance expectations. In a week where insights translate to direct impact, Rooney’s evolving narrative serves as a reminder of the thin lines we tread between praise and critique.
