Sam Allardyce is getting the best out of former England captain Wayne Rooney.
Wayne Rooney of Everton celebrates as he scores
Everton’s resurgence under Sam Allardyce continued last night, as they defeated Swansea City 3-1 at Goodison Park to move up to ninth in the Premier League table.
Goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wayne Rooney proved to be the difference as the Toffees again built their play around the innate ability of the former England captain.
Wayne Rooney of Everton and Sam Allardyce, Manager of Everton
The brilliant form of Rooney, who has scored 10 goals for Everton in the Premier League this season, should come as no surprise – especially under the guidance of Big Sam.
The Everton boss has an excellent ability to bring the best out of ageing or forgotten talents. Bolton Wanderers is perhaps where he did this best. Jay-Jay Okocha looked a world-beater at the Reebok under Allardyce. World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff became a Premier League cult hero during his stint with the imperious manager and Ivan Campo found himself similar notoriety.
Jay Jay Okocha of Bolton celebrates scoring the fifth goal with Kevin Nolan (L) and Youri Djorkaeff (R)
Others, such as Mario Jardel, Javi Moreno and Hidetoshi Nakata did not work out as planned – but Allardyce is one of the best at squeezing every inch of talent out of players, regardless of their age or limitations. It was this ability that so nearly saw Rivaldo join the Trotters in 2004.
In Rooney, he may again have the chance to drain the last pieces of quality from a world-class footballing talent. Much to the joy of Everton’s increasingly convinced support.
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