Ancelotti: Rooney is the best in the world

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney as the best player in the world.

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Wayne Rooney of Manchester United scores to make it 1-0

Rooney scored his seventh goal in the past four league games on Saturday to help United crush hapless Portsmouth 5-0 at Old Trafford and return to the top of the Premier League.

Ancelotti's Chelsea can reclaim top spot if they beat Arsenal on Sunday and the Italian claims that the form of Rooney is preventing the Blues from running away with the title.

Ancelotti said: "At this moment he is the best in the world.

"Manchester are using Rooney very well right now. He improves his quality with every game and I am surprised his level never drops. Instead he always improves his performance.

"It's not just good for United but also the national team. To have him in this condition is important for the World Cup.

"The whole United team has the experience to fight until the end of the season."

Rooney has scored 21 Premier League goals this season to make him the top marksman in the division.