2 key qualities Wayne Rooney would bring to Stoke City if he left Derby to replace Michael O’Neill

Wayne Rooney has emerged on the Stoke City managerial radar, should Michael O’Neill depart this summer, as per a report from The Sun.

The report states that Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray is also being considered by the Staffordshire outfit, whilst The Mirror has named Daniel Farke as another option. 

Sitting eight points from Championship safety, Derby County are currently battling to survive the Championship drop under Rooney’s stewardship, with the former Manchester United striker doing a good job in a crisis scenario. 

Here, we take a look at two key qualities that Rooney would bring to Stoke if the Potters were to appoint him…

Development of youth and trust 

Rooney has overseen eh development of a handful of younger players this season, with the likes of Luke Flange, Malcolm Ebiowei, Festy Ebosele, Eiran Cashin and Liam Thompson, all progressing at an alarming rate. 

Then, there are the trio who are slightly more experienced, in Max Bird, Jason Knight and Lee Buchanan, with all three playing integral roles under Rooney. 

The Derby boss has shown a lot of faith in the younger players in the squad and they are all rewarding his trust.

Despite losing some key players in recent seasons, these younger players have stepped up to the mark, with Rooney playing a vital role in aiding this transition. 

An exciting brand of football 

Not only are these younger players stepping up to the mark in the Championship, but they are also playing an exciting style of football where they like to dominate the football. 

The Rams are operating in a way where they place a lot of emphasis on keeping the ball and building from the back, requiring bravery to play forward and constant options for the player in possession. 

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