Wayne Rooney has never been one to sit on the fence, and ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Everton on the 20th of this month, the former Manchester United and England captain has delivered a bold and controversial take.
Rooney believes Arsenal have more than enough quality to secure all three points against the Toffees — but only if Martin Ødegaard does not start the match.
Speaking during a football discussion ahead of the weekend fixtures, Rooney praised Arsenal’s overall structure under Mikel Arteta but suggested that tactical balance, rather than individual talent, could decide the outcome at Goodison Park. In his view, Ødegaard’s presence from the start could actually play into Everton’s hands.
Tactical Battle at Goodison Park
Rooney, who knows Goodison Park better than most, emphasized how hostile and intense the atmosphere can be, particularly for technical midfielders who thrive on space and rhythm.
“Everton will make it physical, direct, and uncomfortable,” Rooney explained. “At Goodison, especially in a game like this, you need energy, runners, and players who can win second balls. Arsenal can win this game — but they must pick the right midfield profile.”
According to Rooney, Everton under their current setup are likely to sit deep, press aggressively in central areas, and disrupt Arsenal’s usual tempo. This is where his concerns about Ødegaard come in.
Why Rooney Thinks Ødegaard Should Be Benched
Despite acknowledging Ødegaard’s quality, leadership, and technical brilliance, Rooney questioned whether the Norwegian playmaker is the right fit for this specific fixture.
“Ødegaard is a top player, no doubt,” Rooney said. “But games like Everton away aren’t always about control and elegance. Sometimes they’re about intensity, power, and getting through spells of pressure.”
Rooney suggested that Ødegaard’s tendency to drift into pockets and dictate play could be nullified by Everton’s compact midfield, potentially slowing Arsenal’s attacks and making them predictable. Instead, he argued for a more dynamic midfield combination — one capable of breaking lines through movement rather than passing alone.
Alternative Midfield Options
Rooney believes Arsenal could benefit from deploying a more athletic midfield trio, potentially built around players like Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, with added verticality and pressing power.
“Rice gives you protection, Havertz gives you late runs, and you need someone else who can match Everton physically,” Rooney noted. “That’s how Arsenal hurt them.”
In his assessment, Arsenal’s strength in this match lies in fast transitions, aggressive pressing, and exploiting Everton’s defensive gaps — especially on the counterattack. Rooney feels this approach would suit Arsenal’s wide players far more than a slow, possession-heavy buildup.
Confidence in Arsenal’s Overall Quality
Despite his reservations about Ødegaard starting, Rooney was clear in his belief that Arsenal remain strong favourites — if Arteta gets the selection right.
“Arsenal have better players, better structure, and more attacking threats,” Rooney said. “If they approach the game properly, they win it.”
He also praised Arsenal’s defensive solidity and highlighted how Everton have struggled when forced to defend sustained pressure from well-organized teams.
A Talking Point for Arteta
Rooney’s comments are certain to spark debate among Arsenal supporters, many of whom see Ødegaard as untouchable. However, his analysis reflects a broader conversation about tactical flexibility and adapting to specific opponents — something Arteta has increasingly shown he is willing to do.
Whether or not Rooney’s advice is followed, one thing is clear: Arsenal’s trip to Everton on the 20th promises to be a tense, physical, and closely fought contest. And if Arsenal do emerge victorious without Ødegaard starting, Rooney will be quick to remind everyone that he called it.