'In terms of his career, he is only just warming up. But as thousands of London Marathon runners were hobbling home up The Mall yesterday, Wayne Rooney was reminding us in Cardiff that if he can handle the downside to life in the spotlight he could eventually be remembered as the finest footballer this country has ever produced.
Yes, he is indeed that good. Forget about the lurid tabloid tales of public spats with his girlfriend, a talent like this deserves to be savoured, spared from all the envious sniping and the bitchy brickbats.
During yesterday's romp in the rain at the Millennium Stadium, Manchester United's jewel in the crown showed he possesses a unique ability to deliver the goods once kick-off time comes round. Embarrassingly so at times yesterday if you wore black and white.
As the game got increasingly stretched, Rooney was invariably the chief architect of United's ruthless counter-attacks, showing great balance and poise as he skipped through the puddles. Therein lies an often-overlooked fact. This barrel-chested forward is actually lightning quick.
Playing on the left-hand side of Sir Alex Ferguson's controversial three-pronged attack - where he has excelled in spite of rather than because of the system this season - Rooney found himself with more than enough opportunities to dictate the play.
The contrast with Newcastle's James Milner was illuminating. In terms of age, little more than two months separate this pair yet they are worlds apart when it comes to development. Whilst Milner is a promising prospect still learning his trade in a misfiring side, his streetwise opponent has been blessed with some ready-made answers to take into battle.'