Key Takeaways
1. Wayne Rooney revealed that playing the video game SOCOM helped improve communication skills among Manchester United players.
2. Teammates frequently played SOCOM during travels, including on planes and buses, contributing to their success.
3. The game emphasized teamwork, tactical planning, and support, which translated to their performance on the football field.
4. Rooney mentioned that the gameplay styles of teammates mirrored their football playing styles, highlighting individual characteristics.
5. Edwin van der Sar, the goalkeeper, often got annoyed by the noise during their SOCOM gaming sessions.
In a surprising turn of events, Wayne Rooney has disclosed that an old video game played a surprising role in Manchester United’s achievements. During his appearance on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast for the BBC, the iconic striker mentioned that he and his fellow players spent countless hours engaged in SOCOM on the PlayStation Portable (PSP), which actually enhanced their communication skills both on and off the field.
Playing Together
Rooney shared that, while he was at United, he and his teammates often played 5 vs. 5 games of SOCOM during their travels. They would enjoy these matches on planes and even while riding on the team bus, and he believes it was a key factor in their accomplishments. They played so frequently that Edwin van der Sar, the goalkeeper, would often get annoyed with the racket.
“I genuinely think a significant part of our victory was due to playing on the PSP,” Rooney stated. “It really helped us talk more – we used to play it on planes and buses.”
The Impact of SOCOM
For those who might not be familiar, SOCOM is a tactical shooter game that emphasizes teamwork. Rooney asserted that the skills developed through playing the game, like constant communication, forming tactical plans, and supporting one another, transferred seamlessly to their football matches.
“It would be me, Rio [Ferdinand], Michael Carrick, John O’Shea, Wes Brown. You need to communicate, be tactically sound, and help revive teammates when they fall – it was an enormous part of our success – just ask any of those players, it was fantastic.”
Reflections on Game Play
Rooney also pointed out that the way his teammates played SOCOM often reflected their style on the football field. He remarked that Michael Carrick was a bit sly and collected in the game, maintaining a calm demeanor just like he did in midfield. Rooney, in contrast, admitted that he often took a more aggressive approach, which was something he was well-known for during matches.
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