Wayne Rooney Shocks Football World by Overlooking Erling Haaland in His Top Three Premier League Stars This Season

Ex-Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney surprisingly snubbed the league's prolific top goalscorer Erling Haaland while selecting his three standout Premier League performers of the current campaign.

Rooney chose Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, United's Bryan Mbeumo and, in another surprising choice, Arsenal new arrival Viktor Gyökeres instead.

The former player turned analyst has embraced a controversial pundit persona this season. Unsolicited guidance for coaches and athletes, seemingly impromptu transfer suggestions and even outlandish conspiracy claims have all featured in Rooney's commentary this year.

Now the former England skipper has focused on evaluating the Premier League's top talents. Most would find it hard to argue with his initial choice of Semenyo. "I believe he's been excellent for Bournemouth, maintaining his momentum from the previous campaign," Rooney shared with Amazon Prime Video.

The versatile winger has contributed goals or assists to over half of Bournemouth's Premier League strikes this season. With a reasonable £65 million ($85.4 million) release clause, intense competition for Semenyo's signature is anticipated this January.

Rooney looked to his previous club for his second pick. "I would also include Bryan Mbeumo," he reflected. "I believe he's performed excellently for Man Utd, despite the team's challenging beginning. His contributions have been impressive." United's record goalscorer has praised the summer addition's effort as much as his output, acknowledging that Mbeumo has dispelled his initial concerns about the ex-Brentford attacker.

"For my third choice, I'd select Viktor Gyökeres," Rooney finished.

"Arsenal have desperately needed a striker for several seasons, and he's arrived with determination, work ethic, and strong hold-up play. He's also found the net on multiple occasions."

This represents his most controversial selection. Gyökeres has been dependable rather than outstanding during his initial months in north London, moving through the penalty area with awkward heaviness. The Swedish forward's imposing frame gives opposing defenses a new challenge to handle, creating space for Arsenal's quick wingers to pose their own dangers. However, his individual displays don't match Haaland's impact.

Manchester City's relentless striker has netted 14 times in the opening 11 league matches. Before City's first September fixture, he had already scored more goals (five) than Gyökeres has managed to date. Pep Guardiola can hardly be criticized for favoritism when drawing comparisons between Haaland and legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Which Other Players Did Rooney Ignore?

Haaland wasn't the sole Premier League standout who might feel slighted by Rooney's selections. The former striker notably chose three attackers, bypassing numerous midfield and defensive stars who have excelled this term.

Moisés Caicedo is building a compelling argument as the world's finest defensive midfielder, not just in England's top flight. Declan Rice is competing with the Chelsea player for that distinction as his impact on Arsenal's championship pursuit intensifies weekly.

Several Arsenal squad members have outshone Gyökeres so far, particularly the dynamic center-back Gabriel, who arguably poses more attacking danger than the Swedish forward.

Despite Liverpool's struggles, Dominik Szoboszlai has impressed this season, while Granit Xhaka is spearheading Sunderland's surprising push toward European competition.

Numerous candidates exist, though Rooney selected some of the most unpredictable options.