Wayne Rooney Names Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo in His Premier League Five-a-Side Dream Team
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has stirred football discussions once again after revealing his ideal five-a-side team made up of current Premier League stars — and surprisingly, two Chelsea players made the cut.
Speaking on his BBC show, the former England captain selected Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo from Chelsea, praising their individual brilliance and versatility on the pitch.
Rooney’s full selection included Phil Foden (Manchester City), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Mo Salah (Liverpool), and Caicedo as his defensive anchor — a lineup that blends creativity, pace, and composure.
“Current Premier League players — Phil Foden, definitely. Five-a-side, Phil Foden, tight areas, brilliant,” Rooney said.
“Probably Cole Palmer as well in there. Saka. I would put Caicedo in there. He would be my defensive one, but he can attack as well. Mo Salah. So, yeah, that would be my five players.”
💭 Opinion: Rooney’s Choices Reflect a New Generation of Technical Brilliance in the Premier League
Wayne Rooney’s picks are not just a reflection of personal preference — they highlight the changing face of English football, where technical precision and intelligence are now as celebrated as physical strength.
Including Cole Palmer — a player who only recently made his big move from Manchester City to Chelsea — shows Rooney’s sharp eye for emerging stars who play with confidence and flair. Palmer’s creativity and calmness under pressure have already made him one of Chelsea’s most valuable assets in a rebuilding team.
Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo’s inclusion is equally telling. Despite mixed early reviews since joining Chelsea for a record fee, Rooney’s recognition of his all-round qualities suggests that top professionals still value his engine, composure, and tactical awareness.
This lineup also reveals how Rooney’s football philosophy has evolved — favoring smart, skillful, and fluid players who thrive in tight spaces, just as he once did in his prime.
In a modern Premier League where speed and technique dominate, Rooney’s five-a-side team feels like a glimpse into the future of English football — fast, intelligent, and expressive.
