Tony Cottee compares Everton’s Wayne Rooney to Man United star

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Wayne Rooney was angered by Everton manager Sam Allardyce on Saturday.

Former Everton striker Tony Cottee has told Sky Sports that Wayne Rooney needs to be given a free role under Sam Allardyce – just like Paul Pogba at Manchester United.

The 32-year-old was taken off by former England boss Allardyce in just the 57th minute of Everton’s 0-0 draw against Merseyside rivals, which saw the Toffees ace react angrily in front of the Goodison Park support.

Former England captain Rooney has been pushed into a midfield trio instead of his natural position up front in order to preserve his legs, but he has only managed to play the entire 90 minutes of a Premier League match nine times this term.

Cottee understands Rooney’s frustration and believes a player of his quality deserves to have midfielders in and around him with legs. He also believes that adopting Pogba’s free roaming position at United would pay dividends.

“Can I stick up for Rooney? You don’t want to see people swear on television, of course, I understand that,” Cottee said. “What do you want him to do? Do you want him to just walk off and say ‘I’m not bothered, it doesn’t matter to me’?”

“Or do you want him to come off and show ‘I do care, I am upset with being taken off’? Wayne has had a fantastic career, when I’ve seen him play for Everton this year he’s been one of their best players.

“He’s still their top scorer and he still creates things. If the issue is, like Sam said, about players’ legs then he [Rooney] needs players around him who have legs. He needs to play in a free role, it’s exactly the same as Pogba.”

Cottee (middle) during his Everton playing days.

Since returning to Goodison Park, Rooney has scored 10 goals in 28 outings for Everton this season and remains the club’s top scorer despite dropping deeper into midfield.

It remains to be seen whether Rooney will start on Saturday against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, and if he does, whether he will remain on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes.