Wayne Rooney names 3 Arsenal players in combined Real Madrid vs Arsenal lineup

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has named just three Arsenal players in a combined lineup made of Gunners and Real Madrid players.

Defenders William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly both made the cut while the Gunners' Declan Rice, who scored two free kicks against Los Blancos last week was also included. The likes of Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber were excluded from the combined XI, despite playing key roles in the 3-0 first leg win.

The United record goalscorer felt only three Arsenal players deserved to make his joint XI, even if they did thrash Madrid just a week ago.

Wayne Rooney names 3 Arsenal players in combined Real Madrid lineup

Rooney kept his answers short and sweet and offered no explanation to his choices so it's safe to say Arsenal fans will have to wonder about the ex-United striker's decision-making themselves.

Between the sticks, the pundit opted to go for Thibaut Courtois over David Raya. Arsenal's number one has kept six clean sheets and conceded just five goals in this season's Champions League while his Belgian counterpart has managed only one shutout while also conceding 16 goals.

A surprise take was the decision to choose Lucas Vazquez over Jurrien Timber. The Dutchman has been one of his side's most consistent performers throughout this campaign while his Spanish opposite has fluttered between starts and substitute appearances.

The combined lineup's centre back duo was one apiece between the two sides as Antonio Rudiger made it in over Jakub Kiwior, a decision that is arguably justified given the wide gap in experience. William Saliba was the first Gunner to be included with Rooney deciding to place him ahead of Raul Asencio, who has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Madrid.

Myles Lewis-Skelly followed his fellow defender into the joint XI as he was picked over David Alaba. This one may have come as a bit of a shock considering the latter's experience on the pitch, but given the pair's contrasting performances in the first leg it is perhaps justified.

Thomas Partey missed out to Eduardo Camavinga, who was sent off at the Emirates, but Declan Rice managed to make it into the team. The England international was picked ahead of one of Madrid's most consistent players, Federico Valverde, who has already won two Champions Leagues at the age of 26. Skipper Martin Odegaard wasn't included with Jude Bellingham being Rooney's number 10 choice.

The former Derby County manager then acknowledged picking between Bukayo Saka and Rodrygo was a tough one but ultimately opted for the latter. Fans won't be too pleased with that decision considering the impact Saka had in last week's first leg tie.

Brazil teammates Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius Jr were the options on the left wing with Rooney going for the Madrid star with no real hesitation. Despite Mikel Merino's heroics up top for Arsenal in recent months, there is no arguing with Rooney's decision to choose Kylian Mbappe as the combined lineup's striker.

Rooney clearly feels Madrid have the stronger players but with Arsenal going into tonight's second leg 3-0 up on aggregate, the teams may be a bit more evenly matched than he feels.

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