Wayne Rooney discloses top player’s want following Birmingham City criticism

admin | November 26, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Wayne Rooney praised Siriki Dembele’s hard ethic after bringing the Birmingham City wing wizard back into the starting lineup against Sheffield Wednesday.

Dembele played 90 minutes against the Owls, his greatest performance under Rooney. After moving Dembele to the bench, the new Blues manager was happy with his response to previous criticism.

Dembele completed 96 percent of his passes and had five successful dribbles, the most of any player on the field at St Andrew’s on Saturday, according to WhoScored.

“I think he was a little bit unlucky on a couple of occasions,” Rooney said. “I don’t want Dembele to get the ball in his own half and have to bring on five players.” I want him in the opposing half in the final third, doing some of his magic that we know he can do.”

Rooney picked an ultra-attacking lineup that included Dembele and Koji Miyoshi in attacking midfield.To facilitate Dembele’s comeback, Juninho Bacuna moved back into a deeper midfield position.

“What I was more pleased with Dembs, Bacuna – and you can say they are a bit of a luxury player if you like – is the work-rate,” he said. “I told them in the week, ‘Bacuna, you’re going to play in central midfield, with some freedom in possession, but you have to work.'” Dembs, you must work backwards.’ “I’m glad they did that today.”