I literally spat out my coffee when I saw Wayne Rooney's combined Arsenal-Real Madrid XI this morning. What alternate universe is the man living in? Just THREE Arsenal players after they demolished Madrid 3-0? Come on.

Look, I've been covering football since 2008, and I've seen some questionable punditry, but this takes teh cake. Wazza's selections have Arsenal fans (rightfully) losing their minds ahead of tonight's Champions League quarter-final second leg in Madrid.

The Absolute State of This Selection

Let's break this down. Courtois over Raya? Fair enough. The Belgian is world-class.

But then... Lucas Vasquez over Jurrien Timber? LUCAS VASQUEZ? A converted winger playing as a makeshift right-back gets the nod over Arsenal's actual defender? My 11-year-old nephew who plays FIFA on weekends could make better selections.

Rooney did pick Saliba (thank god) but then went completely off the rails by choosing Camavinga - who literally got SENT OFF in the first leg - over Thomas Partey.

At least he had the sense to include Declan Rice. Small mercies.

Wait... No Saka?!

The most egregious omission? Leaving out Bukayo Saka for Rodrygo. I mean... what? Was Rooney watching the same first leg as the rest of us?

I texted my editor about this and his response: "Finally understand why Derby County went into administration under him." Brutal but fair.

Fans Are Having None Of It

Arsenal supporters (who, by the way, are so confident some showed up to the Brentford game wearing Champions League WINNERS shirts already) are absolutely ripping Rooney apart online.

"Finally, I have found out the reason why he is always sacked... poor first team selection," wrote one fan.

Another called his Camavinga over Partey selection proof that "This man is not Ok. He needs to be checked."

God. The savagery is actually deserved for once.

Should Arsenal Be Worried Tonight?

After watching Villa's near-miracle comeback against Bayern last night (they clawed back from 5-1 down to 5-4 on aggregate), there's a tiny knot in my stomach about tonight's game. Arsenal have a 3-0 lead, but Madrid at the Bernabéu is a different beast.

I spent $400 on tickets to the semi-final already, so I'm praying Arsenal don't pull an Arsenal.

Remember 2006? I still wake up in cold sweats thinking about that Champions League final.

The Full Ridiculous XI

For those wondering about Rooney's full combined XI: Courtois; Vasquez, Rudiger, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Camavinga, Rice, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.

That's right. No Odegaard. No Saka. No Timber.

Just when I thought Rooney might be decent as a pundit after his managerial career went down in flames... he pulls this nonsense.

And he wonders why people were whispering behind Gabby Logan's back on Tuesday night.

Listen. I'm trying to be objective here, but this selection is indefensible. Even my Madrid-supporting friend (who's been insufferable since their 2022 Champions League win) messaged me saying "Rooney's lost it."

That's when you know it's bad.

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External Links

prodirectsoccer.com

• Pro:Direct Soccer

fifa.com

• FIFA's Laws of the Game

decathlon.co.uk

• Decathlon

uksoccershop.com

• UKSoccerShop

soccer.com

• Shin Guard Guide from SOCCER.COM

How To

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