Everton striker Wayne Rooney has scored eight goals in 14 Premier League matches this season.
Rooney has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season, and has been a revelation for the Toffees in recent weeks.
The 32-year-old forward scored Everton’s winner against Newcastle United last night, as Sam Allardyce’s side won for the third successive time in the Premier League.
And Keown feels that Rooney is now starting to prove that he is not finished.
Questions have been asked over whether England’s record goalscorer was past his peak, over recent years.
But Keown feels that Rooney’s failings in his latter years at Manchester United came about as a result of a lack of passion.
The former Arsenal defender said:”I do not buy the argument that Rooney has more miles on the clock because he came into the game at a young age. The reason he has faded in recent years is a lack of desire.
“Last season was like an open-top bus parade for Rooney, breaking all manner of records. Now, he has that hunger back.
“As he showed against West Ham, he is still capable of great things. He has scored more Premier League goals this season than in each of his last two campaigns at United, and has the same tally as Alvaro Morata, Romelu Lukaku and Raheem Sterling.
“To maintain this level, Rooney has to manage his pre-season carefully this summer. When you get into your 30s, you cannot afford to take a holiday. You have to live your lifestyle in the right way.”
Rooney has become a talismanic figure for Everton, as the Toffees have climbed away from trouble and into the top half of the table.
Allardyce has now won three of the four matches he has taken charge of, with Everton going from strength to strength.
The Toffees are in action again next Monday, when they take on bottom of the table Swansea City at Goodison Park.
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