Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler believes that Wayne Rooney is currently the best player in the world.

Rooney has scored nine goals in his last five Premier League starts for Manchester United and Fowler believes that the England striker is better than Lionel Messi on current form.

"Wayne Rooney is the best player out there at this moment in time," said Fowler.

"I know Lionel Messi has been untouchable over the last two or three years, but on current form I don’t think there is anyone out there who is such a complete player as Rooney.

"Wayne has redefined the role of a centre-forward. Not only is he scoring goals at a phenomenal rate, he is also dropping deep to dictate games from start to finish."

Fowler scored 132 goals in two separate spells with Liverpool and the 36-year-old is now plying his trade with Muanthong Utd in Thailand.