Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has sparked debate after declaring that the Premier League only has one “proper striker” left – Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. Wayne Rooney says only one proper striker in Premier League – reflects a bold statement from one of English football’s all-time greats, who believes even Erling Haaland falls short of the old-school No 9 mould.
Rooney, who scored 208 top-flight goals and lifted the Premier League trophy five times, made his name as a relentless, physical centre forward. But speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s Rio Meets show, he suggested the role is being phased out as managers adopt more intricate, possession-heavy styles.
“Number 9s are going out of the game,” Rooney lamented, before praising Mateta for his ability to occupy defenders, create space, and play as a focal point. It was a striking verdict that questioned the all-round impact of Manchester City’s Haaland, usually hailed as the league’s most lethal forward.
Rooney on Mateta: the only proper striker
“I like Mateta. He’s clumsy. He doesn’t look great on the eye, but he occupies defenders. He makes it a difficult game for defenders to try and deal with him. That allows the other players to come into little spaces. So I like him. But other than that, No 9s are going out of the game.” — Wayne Rooney, Rio Meets
Rooney’s words underline how highly he values the physical, disruptive qualities Mateta brings. For him, the French striker embodies the classic English top-flight centre forward – rugged, awkward, yet highly effective.
Mateta’s rise at Crystal Palace
Since joining Palace permanently from Mainz in 2022, Mateta has established himself as a Selhurst Park favourite. With 151 appearances and 50 goals to his name, including 40 in the Premier League, he has become central to Oliver Glasner’s system. His mix of strength and instinct has made him not only a scorer but also a fulcrum in Palace’s attacking build-up.
This season, Mateta has already netted four goals in nine appearances across all competitions, underlining his consistency. At 28, he is in his prime and showing the blend of experience and physical presence that top clubs crave.
Wayne Rooney’s criticism of Erling Haaland
While Haaland is often considered the Premier League’s most dominant striker, Rooney believes the Manchester City star has another gear to find. His call for Haaland to “bully defenders more” reflects the standards Rooney himself set as a player. For the former United captain, scoring goals alone is not enough – the No 9 should terrorise defenders physically as well as clinically.
Such a critique is bound to raise eyebrows, given Haaland’s astonishing scoring record since arriving in England. Yet it shows that in Rooney’s eyes, Mateta better represents the traditional striker archetype.
Jean-Philippe Mateta 2025/26 Season Stats
| Stat (2025/26) | Jean-Philippe Mateta |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | — |
| Pass Accuracy | –% |
source: Premier League data – 24 September 2025
The Frenchman’s steady output and physical dominance make him invaluable to Palace. His work rate and ability to link play mean that even when he isn’t scoring, he is central to their system.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Rooney’s verdict highlights a wider tactical shift:
“Rooney is right to suggest that the classic centre forward is fading. Many Premier League strikers are now auxiliary creators or pressing forwards rather than out-and-out target men. Mateta bucks that trend. He gives Palace a direct option, allows wingers like Pino and Sarr to thrive, and makes life miserable for defenders. Whether he’s the league’s best striker is debatable, but his profile is increasingly rare.”
He added that Palace must resist transfer interest: “Rooney’s endorsement will only increase Mateta’s stock. If Palace want to keep competing for silverware, they need to keep him at the heart of their project.”
Key Insights
- Wayne Rooney says only Jean-Philippe Mateta is a proper striker in the Premier League.
- Rooney praised Mateta’s ability to occupy defenders and create space.
- He criticised Haaland, saying he should bully defenders more.
- Mateta has scored 50 goals for Crystal Palace, including 40 in the Premier League.
- Arsenal and other clubs have monitored Mateta, but Palace held firm.
What’s Next for Mateta and Palace?
Palace, already with two trophies under Oliver Glasner, will look to Mateta to lead their charge for more silverware this season. His physicality and consistency remain central to their hopes, whether in domestic competitions or in their European campaign.
Interest from bigger clubs is unlikely to fade. Rooney’s public endorsement only increases Mateta’s profile, and Palace may face fresh bids in the January window. For now, though, keeping their No 9 fit and firing will be crucial.
👉 Do you agree with Wayne Rooney that Jean-Philippe Mateta, not Erling Haaland, is the Premier League’s only proper striker?
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