Actually, Fowler is kind of right. Partly at least. Apart from Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney is most complete attacking minded footballer out there. Watch and enjoy:
There's just everything in his game: long pass, short pass, through ball, 50 yards ball, running the midfield, pacing the game, long shot, technical shot, stamina, power, dribble. Very, very, very intelligent player. Sensational footballer! Yes, Lionel Messi was the first one reinvent false "9" role but I believe Wayne Rooney took it to another level. He actually runs Manchester United midfield very often, dictating the pace of the game - Messi doesn't do so, as there are Xavi, Iniesta & Fabregas to do the business. So I would say I agree with Robbie Fowler to some degree.
Wayne Rooney is probably the second best footballer in the world in my book. I wonder whether he takes more central midfield role in the future just like Scholes did as he also started his career in the final third of the pitch.