UEFA Champions League final: PSG can exploit Bayern's high defensive line, says Rooney

Wayne Rooney believes Paris Saint-Germain players like Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria and Neymar can exploit Bayern Munich's defensive line in the final.

Published : Aug 23, 2020 12:22 IST

Former England skipper Wayne Rooney said he has a feeling that PSG will win the Champions League final. (File Photo)
Former England skipper Wayne Rooney said he has a feeling that PSG will win the Champions League final. (File Photo)
lightbox-info

Former England skipper Wayne Rooney said he has a feeling that PSG will win the Champions League final. (File Photo)

Former England skipper Wayne Rooney believes Paris Saint-Germain has the speed and skill to exploit Bayern Munich's high defensive line in Sunday's Champions League final and punish the side in a way Olympique Lyonnais could not.

Lyon forwards Memphis Depay and Karl Toko Ekambi missed gilt-edged opportunities in the opening 16 minutes of their 3-0 defeat by Bayern in the semifinal on Wednesday and Rooney has warned that PSG's front three of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria will not be so wasteful.

“Bayern have the advantage that most of their starting line-up have played in the Champions League final before. But I have a feeling for PSG,” Rooney, who won the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, wrote in his column for the Sunday Times .

ALSO READ|

“It will be a shoot-out and I think with Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria, PSG will exploit the high line that Bayern play. They will get chances and take them.

“I have no doubt that press will create chances for Bayern but PSG are good enough in possession to deal with it and once they play through it there will be opportunities for their attackers.”

ALSO READ|

The spotlight will no doubt be on Mbappe and Neymar who have combined for eight goals and nine assists in the competition thus far but Rooney, 34, believes it's his former Manchester United teammate Di Maria that could make the difference.

“PSG's match-winner might just be Di Maria. He's a wonderful player. He works tirelessly on the pitch and his delivery, vision and awareness is brilliant,” Rooney said.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment