In a revelation that will shock football fans across the nation, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has made the stunning admission that two Liverpool icons would make his ultimate Premier League team.
The former England captain, speaking on Gary Neville's The Overlap podcast, selected Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah for his dream lineup, putting aside fierce club rivalries in recognition of their extraordinary talent.
United Hero's Surprising Selections
Rooney, who remains United's all-time top goalscorer, didn't hold back when assessing the Premier League's greatest ever players. Despite his deep connections to Old Trafford, the footballing legend acknowledged that certain Liverpool stars were simply too good to ignore.
"I'd have Van Dijk in there," Rooney stated definitively when building his dream team. "I think Van Dijk, when he was at his peak, I think he was unbelievable."
Salah's Unquestionable Quality
The praise didn't stop with the commanding Dutch defender. Rooney also found room for Liverpool's Egyptian king Mohamed Salah in his star-studded lineup, recognising the winger's consistent world-class performances.
This endorsement comes despite Salah having tormented United defences on multiple occasions throughout his Anfield career, including scoring crucial goals in famous victories over Rooney's former club.
Breaking Down Traditional Barriers
Rooney's selections demonstrate a refreshing objectivity rarely seen in a sport where tribal loyalties often cloud judgement. His ability to separate personal allegiances from pure footballing quality shows the respect these Liverpool players have earned across the football community.
The former Derby County manager's ultimate Premier League XI provides fascinating insight into which players have genuinely impressed one of English football's most decorated stars.
A Testament to Liverpool's Greatness
Van Dijk's inclusion comes as no surprise to those who witnessed the defender's transformative impact on Liverpool since his £75 million arrival. The Dutch captain led the Reds to Champions League and Premier League glory while establishing himself as arguably the world's best defender during his peak years.
Salah's recognition similarly acknowledges his remarkable consistency and goal-scoring prowess since joining Liverpool in 2017, breaking numerous records and collecting multiple Golden Boot awards along the way.
Rooney's surprising admissions prove that true quality transcends even the fiercest of football rivalries, offering Liverpool fans unexpected praise from one of their traditional adversaries.
