Rooney Cites Team Form for Al Hajj’s Limited Play

Plymouth Argyle manager Wayne Rooney has indicated that the club’s current struggles are making it challenging for him to select forward Rami Al Hajj. Al Hajj, a 23-year-old former Sweden under-21 international, joined Argyle from Danish club Odense in August on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. He has only made one start during November. In contrast, he had started five matches in the preceding two months, scoring his sole goal in the 3-1 victory against Luton Town on 27 September, where he opened the scoring after eight minutes. However, with Argyle experiencing difficulties—including a significant 6-1 defeat to Norwich City on Tuesday night and sitting merely two points above the relegation zone—Rooney suggests Al Hajj’s opportunity might be delayed. Rooney explained his reasoning, stating: “I think Rami’s more of a flair player, and early on in the season when we were playing really good football, I think that has dropped a little bit of late.” He further elaborated on the team’s current requirements: “Rami’s a player who needs to be in a team that plays football, and at the minute when we’re going through this period, I think we need a player in there who has a more natural defensive side to them and a more natural fight in them if you like.” Rooney also commented on the adjustment period for new players: “Players who know the league and know what the demands are of this league, and for Rami it’s taking a little bit of time for him to adjust.” Concluding his remarks, Rooney added: “But we’ll keep working on that and hopefully get him right to have an effect on us throughout the season.”