Wayne Rooney Names His Top Three Premier League Players of the Season So Far
Manchester United icon and current football pundit Wayne Rooney has sparked another wave of reactions online after Amazon Prime Video Sport released a short clip of the legendary striker naming his top three Premier League performers of the season so far. The video, posted on November 19, quickly went viral, with fans debating and analyzing Rooney’s unexpected – yet insightful – choices.
In the clip, Rooney is asked to select the standout players of the 2025/26 campaign up to this point. Rather than going for the obvious names, he opted for three players whose impact has been impossible to ignore, even if they aren’t traditionally in the spotlight.
Rooney explained his selections clearly, saying:
“Top 3 are probably Semenyo. I think he’s been brilliant for Bournemouth, playing on his form last season. I’d also put Bryan Mbeumo in there. I think he’s been really good even after a difficult start to the season. He was very good. Third one, Viktor Gyokeres. I think he’s been crying out for a Premier League move and his work rate, his hold-up play, and obviously goals as well. So I’d say that’s my top three.”
Below is a breakdown of Rooney’s picks and why each player has caught his attention.
1. Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth
Rooney’s first name on the list is Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, a player who has rapidly become one of the Premier League’s most improved attackers. According to Rooney, Semenyo has carried his excellent form from last season into the current campaign, consistently delivering high-energy performances and contributing with vital goals and assists.
Semenyo’s blend of physicality, pace, and directness has been crucial for Bournemouth, making him one of the league’s most difficult players to defend against. His rise has not gone unnoticed—and Rooney believes he fully deserves recognition.
2. Bryan Mbeumo – Man United
Next on Rooney’s list is Bryan Mbeumo, a player who continues to elevate his game in the pl . Despite what Rooney described as “a difficult start to the season,”.
His creativity, goal-scoring threat, and versatility across the frontline have been instrumental in keeping Brentford competitive. Rooney highlighted Mbeumo’s consistency and influence, praising him as one of the standout performers of the campaign.
3. Viktor Gyökeres – (Arsenal)
Completing Rooney’s top three is Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish striker who has long been considered ready for Premier League football. Rooney praised Gyökeres’ all-round forward play, particularly his hold-up ability, tireless work rate, and goal-scoring instinct.
According to Rooney, Gyökeres has “been carrying out for a Premier League move,” and since making the switch, he has wasted no time proving that he belongs at the highest level of English football. His performances have added a new dimension to his club’s attack, making him an early standout this season.
