Wayne Rooney praises former Liverpool star | OneFootball

Wayne Rooney Praises Steven Gerrard as One of England’s Greatest Captains

Wayne Rooney has named former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard among the finest leaders he ever shared a dressing room with, offering a rare glimpse of mutual respect between two players whose club loyalties defined one of English football’s fiercest rivalries.

Rooney Reflects on Leadership and Rivalry

During his illustrious playing career, Rooney became synonymous with Manchester United, where his relentless energy and eye for goal made him a legend at Old Trafford. Yet for all his achievements at club level, it was in the England setup where he crossed paths with Gerrard – a man he now holds in the highest regard.

Speaking on The Overlap’s official TikTok account, Rooney said: “There’s a few in different ways. Steven Gerrard was always a good captain for England, Rio was good [but] I’d probably say Gary Neville.” The mention of Gerrard, however, stood out – an acknowledgment of the Liverpool icon’s influence beyond Anfield and into the heart of the national team.

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Gerrard’s Enduring Impact on England and Liverpool

Gerrard’s career was defined by his loyalty and consistency. From his debut in 1998 until his departure in 2015, he embodied the values Liverpool fans hold dearest: passion, resilience, and devotion. While a move to Real Madrid was once on the table, Gerrard chose to stay at Liverpool, guiding his boyhood club through both triumph and turmoil.

At international level, Gerrard’s leadership was vital in an England side filled with egos and expectations. He captained the Three Lions with quiet authority, setting standards on and off the pitch. Rooney, who himself would go on to wear the armband, has now underlined just how much influence Gerrard had behind the scenes.

For all their battles in red and blue at club level, the pair shared a mutual understanding when representing England. Gerrard’s ability to rally players and maintain composure under pressure left an impression not just on Rooney, but on an entire generation of teammates.

Comparing Modern Leaders to Gerrard’s Legacy

In the years since Gerrard hung up his boots, Liverpool have been fortunate to find successors capable of continuing his leadership legacy. Jordan Henderson captained the club through a period of modern dominance, culminating in a long-awaited Premier League title and a Champions League triumph.

Now, Virgil van Dijk carries the torch. The Dutch defender has shown similar authority and presence, both in performance and personality. His leadership from the back, coupled with his consistency, has helped maintain Liverpool’s standards under successive managers.

For many supporters, Gerrard remains the benchmark – the emotional heartbeat of Liverpool during his time. Yet Van Dijk’s calm command and ability to inspire those around him have drawn inevitable comparisons. Should he continue to deliver silverware, there’s every chance he’ll be remembered in the same breath as the club’s legendary No. 8.

Rooney and Gerrard: Mutual Respect Beyond Rivalry

It’s easy to forget that during their Premier League days, Rooney and Gerrard were on opposite sides of one of football’s greatest divides. Yet time has a way of softening rivalries, allowing players to appreciate one another’s greatness without the constraints of club loyalty.

Rooney’s comments underline a broader truth about England’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’: for all their club animosities, many shared a profound respect forged in the intensity of international competition. Gerrard, with his quiet determination and selfless drive, was at the centre of it all.

As Rooney continues his journey in management and punditry, his reflections on leadership carry the weight of experience. And in Gerrard, he sees what every England fan once hoped for – a captain who led by example, inspired by loyalty, and left an indelible mark on both club and country.