Ronald Koeman has hailed new Everton signing Wayne Rooney.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has told the club’s official website that he has seen in training that Wayne Rooney is one of the best players around.
Whilst Everton have added to their squad with key signings such as Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez, it’s the addition of Rooney that has really grabbed the headlines.
The 31-year-old started his career with his boyhood club, but moved on to Manchester United in 2004, having hit 17 goals in 77 games for Everton and emerged as one of English football’s top young talents.
Wayne Rooney scores for Everton against Gor Mahia
13 years on, Rooney has been England and Manchester United captain, whilst having hit 253 goals for the Red Devils, he also became United’s all-time leading goalscorer, breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s record.
With Rooney into his 30’s, many fans and pundits have questioned just whether Rooney can still be effective in the Premier League, but Everton saw enough to re-sign him and hand him an emotional return to Goodison Park.
In pre-season, Rooney has already scored twice in three games, and there is genuine optimism on Merseyside that Rooney can recapture his best form now he is back with the Toffees.
Manager Ronald Koeman will almost certainly make Rooney a key part of his side during the upcoming Premier League season, and he has now praised the forward after his goal against Genk over the weekend.
Koeman has told the club’s official website that he is already seeing in training that Rooney is still one of the best players around, and also praised his leadership and the way in which he is influencing other Everton players.
Everton’s Ronald Koeman and Wayne Rooney
“He has a lot of experience,” said Koeman. “He is an important player on the pitch but also important for his teammates and certainly the young players to show them what you need to do to reach that high standard of football.”
“That means he needs to be a leader off the pitch and if I see how he’s working and what he’s doing with all the players it’s really what we want. Every day in training so far and in the friendlies, you see why he’s one of the best in his position and one of the best players,” he added.
Do you think Rooney will thrive with Everton this season?
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