Wayne Rooney has stirred debate across the football world after claiming that Viktor Gyökeres could go on to win the Premier League Golden Boot—but only if Martin Ødegaard continues to start games on the bench.
The former Manchester United and England striker made the provocative statement during a recent punditry appearance, and it has since ignited intense discussion among fans, analysts, and former players alike.
Rooney’s comments came in the wake of another ruthless performance from Gyökeres, whose goal-scoring form has rapidly turned him into one of the most feared forwards in the league. According to Rooney, the striker’s current freedom, directness, and penalty-box dominance are no coincidence, but are closely linked to subtle tactical shifts in Arsenal’s attacking structure—most notably the reduced influence of Ødegaard in the starting XI.
Rooney’s reasoning: space, speed, and simplicity
Breaking down his view, Rooney argued that Gyökeres thrives in a system that prioritizes vertical movement and early service rather than prolonged possession and intricate buildup.
“When Ødegaard plays, everything goes through him,” Rooney explained. “He’s a top player, no doubt, but the game becomes more about control and patience. Gyökeres is at his best when Arsenal play quicker, more direct, and attack space early.”
Rooney believes that without Ødegaard dictating tempo from central areas, Arsenal’s midfield releases the ball faster into wide channels and into Gyökeres’ path. That, in his view, plays directly into the striker’s strengths: explosive runs, physical dominance, and ruthless finishing inside the box.
Gyökeres’ numbers back the claim
Statistically, Rooney’s argument has sparked interest because it aligns with recent trends. Gyökeres’ goal output has noticeably increased in matches where Arsenal have played with a more transitional midfield shape. His touches per goal have decreased, his shots inside the six-yard box have risen, and his overall involvement has become more decisive rather than expansive.
Rooney highlighted this efficiency as a hallmark of Golden Boot winners.
“The best strikers don’t need ten chances,” he said. “They need the right chances. Right now, Gyökeres is getting them.”
With the season entering a crucial phase, Gyökeres is firmly in the Golden Boot conversation, and Rooney believes consistency—not flair—will decide the race.
The Ødegaard dilemma
Rooney was careful to stress that his comments were not an attack on Ødegaard’s quality, calling the Arsenal captain “one of the most technically gifted midfielders in Europe.” However, he questioned whether Ødegaard’s strengths naturally complement a striker like Gyökeres.
“Ødegaard likes to slow things down, pull defenders out, and create angles,” Rooney said. “Gyökeres wants the ball early, wants defenders running toward their own goal. Sometimes those ideas clash.”
This has raised a broader tactical question for Arsenal: should the team be built around creative control or clinical efficiency?
Arteta’s balancing act
Mikel Arteta now finds himself at the center of a fascinating debate. On one hand, Ødegaard embodies the identity Arteta has carefully crafted—technical dominance, positional intelligence, and structured pressing. On the other, Gyökeres represents raw, devastating end product.
Rooney believes that if Arteta prioritizes Gyökeres’ scoring momentum over traditional hierarchy, the rewards could be historic.
“If Arteta keeps setting the team up to maximize Gyökeres,” Rooney claimed, “then I honestly see him winning the Golden Boot. He’s got that hunger, that single-minded focus you need.”
Fans and pundits divided
Unsurprisingly, Rooney’s statement has split opinion. Some fans argue that Ødegaard’s creativity ultimately benefits every forward, even if it doesn’t always show up directly in goal tallies. Others feel Rooney has identified a hard truth: that sometimes great teams must sacrifice aesthetics for efficiency.
Former players have also weighed in, with several agreeing that Golden Boot races are often decided by system fit rather than individual brilliance alone.
A defining stretch ahead
As the title race and individual awards battle intensify, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s team selections. Whether Ødegaard returns to the starting lineup regularly or continues to play a reduced role could shape not only Arsenal’s season, but Gyökeres’ personal legacy.
For Rooney, the equation is simple.
“If Gyökeres keeps playing like this, and the system stays focused on feeding him,” he concluded, “then he won’t just be in the Golden Boot race—he’ll win it.”
Only time will tell whether Arteta agrees, but one thing is certain: Wayne Rooney has ensured this conversation won’t be going away anytime soon.