Wayne Rooney and Luke Littler claim arrogance is key at young age to reach the top

For Wayne Rooney and Luke Littler, a touch of arrogance was the essential ingredient for their teenage success.

Bursting onto the scene at just 16, Rooney’s wonder-goal against Arsenal paved the way for international stardom and a historic move to Manchester United. 

Littler has mirrored that rapid ascent 20 years later, captivating the darts world by reaching a World Championship final at 16 and subsequently dominating Alexandra Palace with back-to-back title wins.

Both have spoken about their own journeys on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show podcast, with Rooney saying:

“I’ve always had belief, and this is where I think there’s loads of comparisons (between us). I think you have to have a certain level of arrogance to be at your best, and that’s not in a bad way. From when I was younger I felt that. When I got in Everton’s first-team, I’ve said it many times, I felt like I was the best player at 16. Then I moved to Man United, then with England and stuff, you feel you can always make a difference.”

When Rooney was thriving within a team, Littler was only 19 years old and displaying the attitude and aptitude to step up to the oche on his own.

Littler said:

“Obviously, I’ve been playing tournament-wise for many years,” Littler said. “I think maybe my first proper tournament was at like nine, maybe 10.

“And just like Wayne said, you show a bit of arrogance. The more you do it, obviously, people might not like it, but as long as you feel comfortable about doing it, that’s all that matters.”

While still very much in the formative stage of his career and, seeing Rooney shine within his club and team, Littler is staying grounded and true to himself.

He added: 

“Obviously, the money’s there as well, but everyone growing up, they’re not always going to have money,” the teenager added.

“I’m not really a big spender either and I’ve not started investing anything yet or anything, but I’m sure it’ll come to that point.

“But, yeah, I’ve just got to keep going, keep getting more trophies. That’s the most important bit and creating more history.”

Find out more on The Wayne Rooney Show here.

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