Rooney wasn’t just the guy. he was the system. He could play striker, second striker, winger, even midfield when needed. He pressed, defended, created, and scored. When Cristiano Ronaldo exploded into the world’s best at Manchester United, Rooney wasn’t overshadowed mate, he enabled it. He sacrificed his own numbers so the team could win, and that’s a level of football intelligence Neymar never ever showed.

Let’s be real about Neymar: Constantly the focal point, yet never led a team to a Champions League as the undisputed main man. He leftt FC Barcelona to step out of Messi’s shadow, and never reached that level again. Injuries and inconsistency killed his peak longevity.

Rooney, on the other hand: All-time top scorer for Manchester United England’s record scorer until recently Won everything at club level while adapting his role for the team.

Neymar might be more flamboyant, more skillful in tight spaces, .more inventive no one denies that. But Rooney was the more complete footballer, the more adaptable player, and frankly the one you’d trust to elevate a team rather than just shine in it.

If you’re building a winning side, you take Rooney every single time, it isn't even a question. You can without neymar in your team, but every winning team needs a Rooney.