Wayne Rooney Names Surprise Arsenal Star Among His Top Three Players of the Season

Wanye Rooney says striker Viktor Gyökeres has been one of the Premier League standout players, placing him among his top three performer of the season.

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has named his top three Premier League players the season—and his list includes a few surprises, among the standout names is Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres, who Rooney believes has transformed the Gunners’ attack. Joining him on the list are Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth and Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United.

Rooney’s selections highlight players who have made a significant impact, even if they haven’t always dominated headlines.

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Speaking on Amazon Prime, Rooney praised Viktor Gyökeres for his explosive start at Arsenal. The Swedish striker has impressed with his power, movement, and relentless pressing. According to Rooney, Gyökeres “has everything a top striker needs” and is already proving why Arsenal invested heavily in him.

He noted that even in the early matches, Gyökeres stood out with his strength, smart runs, and ability to bully defenders. His presence has added a new dimension to Mikel Arteta’s attacking setup.

Why Gyökeres Stands Out

Rooney emphasized that Gyökeres’ influence goes beyond just scoring goals. He praised the forward’s:

• Commitment to defending from the front
• Physical dominance in duels
• Relentless work ethic that sets the tone for the team

Rooney even compared Gyökeres’ mentality to some of the toughest strikers he faced during his career, calling him a “complete modern striker.”

Rooney’s second pick, Antoine Semenyo, has quietly become one of the most consistent performers in the league. The Bournemouth forward has impressed with his pace, directness, and ability to change games. Rooney highlighted Semenyo’s growth and consistency, noting that he’s been “brilliant all season” and deserves more recognition.

Bryan Mbeumo: A Bright Spot at Manchester United

Completing Rooney’s top three is Bryan Mbeumo, who joined Manchester United this season. Despite the club’s mixed form, Mbeumo has been a standout. Rooney praised his creativity, pressing, and ability to deliver in big moments. His versatility and intelligence have made him a key figure in United’s attack.

Rooney’s glowing assessment of these three players carries weight. As one of the Premier League’s all-time greats, his recognition signals that these stars are not just performing—they’re excelling. For Arsenal, having Gyökeres named among the league’s elite reinforces the belief that they finally have the striker needed to lead a title charge.

With Gyökeres adapting quickly and delivering consistently, Arsenal’s hopes for silverware look stronger than ever. His physical profile, mentality, and leadership qualities make him a long-term asset. Rooney’s endorsement only strengthens the growing narrative that Gyökeres is a Premier League performer to watch.

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