Berbatov - Rooney is better than Ronaldo

Wayne Rooney has been tipped by all and sundry as the man to step up and fill the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo. They're certainly big shoes to fill. It won't be easy replacing the FIFA World Player of the Year, but Dimitar Berbatov believes Rooney is already a better player than Ronaldo.

"Ronaldo was a fantastic player for us and I'm sure he will be very good for Real Madrid," the Bulgarian told The Sun.

"But, for me, our biggest talent is and always was - even last season - Wayne Rooney.

"He is an incredible talent and will be one of the best players in Europe for many years to come.

"The scary thing with Wayne is he's four or five years off his peak and, when you see the level he's at now, that is almost impossible to get your head round."

At just 23 years old, Rooney is already regarded as one of the best support strikers in Europe. His natural born talent, together with his work ethic and never-say-die attitude make him one of he Premier Leagues most feared opponents. And as Berbatov quite rightly points out, the best is yet to come.

Berbatov believes it's his love for the game that sets him apart from the rest, and his unwillingness to hog the media spotlight allows him to focus on football.

"Wayne just loves to play football, it was what he was born to do and you can see that. He is not concerned about any of the glamour that goes with it," Berbatov continued.

"He amazes us on the training pitch almost every day and his hunger seems to get bigger with every game.

"His attitude and love for the game reminds me of a child who could spend all day in the park with nothing but a football."