No player has divided opinion in such a manner as Wayne Rooney. Much maligned and often criticised, the fact remains that he is the record goalscorer for both Manchester United and England. In surpassing the great Bobby Charlton, the 31-year-old striker has surely written his name among the greats of the game.
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When he hangs up his boots he will be looked back upon as one the country’s great talents. But, for now, there is one more footballing chapter in his impressive story.
The reaction to his dream return to Everton has epitomised the mixed feelings felt toward the striker. So, can he bring success to Everton and become an unlikely Draft Fantasy Football hit? Or will his move be a romanticised failure?
In 25 premier league appearances last term (15 starts) Rooney chalked up five goals and five assists. This would have put him third in Everton’s goal scoring charts, behind only Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku. The latter of course, will be plying his trade at Old Trafford next season.
Rooney’s contribution, although not spectacular, was solid enough for a player on the periphery. If he had been entrusted with a top role and backed by the manager, he would surely have had a greater impact.
Rooney also started seven of these games as a wide player. This restricted his influence as a goal threat, and left him cutting a frustrated figure.
Even given the above, in truth, last season was a tough watch. The sight of Wayne Rooney miscontrolling a pass and fluffing his lines too often made for uncomfortable viewing. He seemed to lack confidence and the bite that made him such a success earlier in his career. In fact, it has been a while since Rooney was at his peak.
We have, however, seen something akin at Old Trafford. Radamel Falcao played just as poorly in his short stint in a United shirt. Unlike Rooney, El Tigre was in the process or recovering from an injury, but he too lacked a deft touch and killer instinct that had been affiliated with him through many a European season.
Last term, though, saw him return to his scintillating best, spearheading a vibrant Monaco side that toppled Paris Saint Germain in Ligue 1 and lit up the Champions League. He scored 30 goals in all competitions.
Rooney probably won’t make such an impact but he’ll certainly try and Everton fans would undoubtedly love to see him rediscover some of his previous form.
Koeman looks set to give him the platform and, with two goals in his first three appearances under the Dutchman, Rooney looks in the mood to repay that faith. His link up with fellow new signing Sandro Ramirez showed early promise and, with more new signings to come, the prospects for the Englishman could get even better.
He might not be a first choice when it comes to picking your main striker in the draft, but he could turn out to be a handy differential. After all, he is the country’s record goal scorer.
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