Thursday, 3rd April, 2014
QPR midfielder Joey Barton does not believe Wayne Rooney deserves to be bracketed as world-class alongside the likes of Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta.
Rooney, who recently penned a new long-term contract at Manchester United, has in Barton's view not developed since leaving Everton for Old Trafford in 2004.
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Barton wrote on his Twitter account: "Rooney is our best player at the moment. Put in context for me, by my definition of 'World Class', he isn't. I'm sorry that's my belief.
"He is infinitely better than me. That is not the debate here. But I was never World Class, so people are missing the point."
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And the midfielder explained those players he believes fall into the world-class category, also pointing out that he feels Rooney has failed to significantly improve from his Goodison Park days.
"Now shall I tell you what World Class is for me. [Cristano] Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi. Iniesta and Suarez. WC is a term thrown about far too often.
"Maybe Wayne was has been in WC bracket before. I would have to say now he isn't. Why? Well it isn't for the lack of talent IMO.
"I would have to argue that he has not been better since he broke on the scene at Everton. For me thats when he stopped developing or just afterwards. As I say, he is a top player. My favourite of the current bunch. Love watching him. Old school. But not World Class IMO."
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