Wayne Rooney Insists Messi and Ronaldo Era Is Over, Names World’s Best Player Right Now

• Ex-Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo era is over
• He has identified a successor to the throne of the two players named the best to have played the game
• Rooney is currently the manager of Major League Soccer side DC United in the United States of America

Wayne Rooney has identified Erling Haaland as the heir apparent to the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo throne, suggesting the era of the GOAT duo has come to an end.

Haaland has been on fire since swapping Borussia Dortmund for Manchester City, dwarfing virtually every goal-scoring record in England and by extension, Europe.

The Norwegian goal-poacher has racked up a staggering 48 goals in 42 games across competitions while also producing six assists, highlighting his superb form this term, per Transfermarkt.

It thus comes as no surprise that Rooney stated Haaland was by far the best footballer on the planet presently.

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"Lionel Messi is the greatest but, at this moment, nobody is playing better than a striker who - even though I broke records in that position myself - takes my breath away with the levels he’s reaching," Rooney wrote in his column for The Times, via Sportskeeda.

He added: "[Haaland is] the best in the world because of the numbers he’s posting, the performances he’s putting in and the mentality he shows.”

Is Ronaldo, Messi era over?

Rooney's comments have also renewed debate about the era of Messi and Ronaldo, who shot their way to the top of the ‘greatest of all time’ conversation.

No matter who you are, everyone has a preference between the veteran duo, who have won a combined 12 Ballon d'Or awards and numerous trophies.

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Some wonder at the machine-like relentlessness of Ronaldo’s out-and-out goal-scoring, while others are lured by Messi’s talent with the ball at his feet.

What's next for Haaland?

The 22-year-old will hope to continue his breathtaking goal-scoring form for Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola's charges chase the treble.

The club is still in contention to win the English Premier League, the Emirates FA Cup, and the elusive UEFA Champions League titles.

Cassano contradicts Rooney, blasts Haaland

While Rooney has lauded Haaland, ex-Real Madrid striker, Antonio Cassano has once again stirred up the hornet's nest with comments on the Man City star, Sports Brief reported.

The retired Italian international has claimed the Norwegian sensation 'does not know how to play football', attracting criticism and comments from far and wide.

Going by Haaland's numbers this season alone, it seems quite ironic for Cassano to make the claim but he insisted he prefers strikers like Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema.