England: 5 Reasons Rooney Is More Valuable Than Neymar

4. Work Rate

Neymar and Rooney both conform to stereotypes: Neymar is a fancy Brazilian, full of flair and neat tricks and dribbles, while Rooney is the British Bulldog, sweat and effort, snarling and biting. Last night, Rooney battled against the Brazilian centre backs, often alone, trying to offer his team mates and outlet for respite. When not in possession he got back into position, covered players who had made runs forward, came deep to get the ball, and generally worked his you-know-whats off. Indeed, England€™s winning goal came from Rooney anticipating a pass, rushing to put a defender under pressure and toeing the ball to Lampard to strike. It€™s not uncommon to see Rooney in a full back position having chased an opposition player down from his own half. Sometimes this can spell disaster, like the penalty he gave away when England lost 2-1 against Russia in 2007. Overall, however, his hard work helps the team and fits into the ethos of Roy Hodgson€™s workmanlike side. Contrast this with Neymar who often left Adriano all alone to deal Theo Walcott and Glen Johnson. Obviously with a player of Neymar€™s quality you want to see his work in the opposition€™s penalty box, not your own, but against the world€™s best (and England can be considered top ten in the world if nothing else) the whole teams needs to work hard. With natural wingers not a part of Brazilian football, the full backs can become woefully exposed as they were on Wednesday, and even luxury players need to put in a shift.