The experienced star has scored eight Premier League goals for Everton this season
Wayne Rooney has endured a considerable amount of criticism in recent years and it is clear that he is no longer the prolific forward he was at Manchester United.
However, the 32-year-old has made a significant impact since returning to Everton and made another notable contribution yesterday as he scored from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw away to rivals Liverpool.
Rooney now has eight Premier League goals this season, taking him level with United’s Romelu Lukaku and Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette, both of whom were involved in high-profile transfers in the summer. Lukaku cost United an initial £75 million, as reported by BBC Sport, while Lacazette joined Arsenal for £46.5 million, as per BBC Sport, with both of those being club record deals.
Rooney, meanwhile, rejoined Everton for free, with United waiving a transfer fee, as reported by The Sun.
It hasn’t all gone to plan for Rooney back at Everton as he has endured some difficult moments, which included being dropped by caretaker manager David Unsworth.
However, he is set to play a major part under Allardyce and has demonstrated his versatility, playing in various positions, including as a right winger, where he was deployed yesterday.
Rooney has also proven that he is still a player who can contribute on big occasions as he has scored against Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool this season.
Whereas Lacazette has been widely praised for his contribution for Arsenal this season, Rooney’s efforts have been rather overlooked and he perhaps deserves more plaudits for reaching eight goals so far, especially given the difficulties that Everton have had at times this season.
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