Wayne Rooney has surprisingly snubbed 14-goal Erling Haaland while including Viktor Gyokeres in his top three Premier League players this season.
Rooney, a PFA Player of the Year winner in 2010, has kept a close eye on the Premier League this season due in part to his blossoming punditry career.
Haaland's incredible goal tally this term was not enough to be considered for Rooney's list
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Haaland's incredible goal tally this term was not enough to be considered for Rooney's list
With three months of the season gone, Erling Haaland leads the way in goals, however, Rooney has opted for another Scandinavian hitman in his best three players so far this term.
Sweden international Gyokeres, who signed for Arsenal in a £64million deal in the summer, made a blistering start to life at the Emirates Stadium.
A two-goal haul on his home debut against Leeds was followed by another in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in early September.
But nine games without a goal for club and country unexpectedly followed, with the former Sporting Lisbon star finally ending his drought during the 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid on October 21.
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Despite netting just four times in the Premier League, Rooney has been impressed by the striker’s overall output.
Super Swede
And although six players have better goals returns than Gyokeres so far this season, that has not deterred the ex-Manchester United forward from selecting the 27-year-old third in his top three.
“Third one, I’d probably go Gyokeres I think,” Rooney told Amazon Prime Video Sport.
“Arsenal have been crying out for a number nine for a few years now and he’s come in and his work rate, his determination, his hold-up play and obviously scoring a few goals as well.”
Gyokeres has not featured since scoring in the 2-0 win at Burnley on November 1.
He picked up a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Champions League match with Slavia Prague and the 2-2 draw at Sunderland before the international break.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on November 01, 2025 in Burnley, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Perhaps surprisingly, Rooney has been impressed by Arsenal striker Gyokeres this seasonCredit: Getty
That saw him withdraw from the Sweden squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia.
It is unclear whether the striker will be fit to return for Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates or next Wednesday’s crunch Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
Who did Rooney select in his top two?
His third place puts him behind Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo.
“Semenyo, I think he’s been brilliant for Bournemouth,” Rooney said. “Carrying on his form from last season.
“I’d also put Bryan Mbeumo in there. I think he’s been really good for Man United, even after a difficult start to the season for the club. I think he’s been really good.”
Mbeumo has found his feet at Old Trafford with five goals from his 11 league games.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 3-1 during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Fulham at Vitality Stadium on October 03, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Semenyo has been one of the Premier League's brightest talents this seasonCredit: Getty
Rooney has enjoyed watching Bryan Mbeumo's contributions for Man United this season
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Rooney has enjoyed watching Bryan Mbeumo's contributions for Man United this seasonCredit: Getty
The Cameroonian’s upturn in form has coincided with Manchester United’s run of five games without defeat.
Mbeumo has netted four in his last four games including the opening goal during the win at Liverpool and in the 2-2 draw at Tottenham last time out.
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Meanwhile, six-goal Semenyo is one of the Premier League’s most sought after wingers.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all said to be interested in acquiring the Ghana international who has a clause inserted into his contract stating that he can leave in January if the buying club stumps up £65m.
Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney
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Rooney's early season calls are set to divide opinionCredit: Getty