Would Rooney Play as a Midfielder or Striker at Everton?

Rooney holds the record for most goals scored for the English National Team, over taking striking legends such as Charlton and Shearer. However as he reaches the twilight of his career, is upfront the best role for him, should he choose to return to Everton next season?

When Manchester United played Everton in the FA Cup last season, Van Gaal selected Wayne Rooney for a central midfield position, which many fans at the time were unsure about. He was used to devastating effect and completely ran that game, he was mobile throughout the whole game, and even headed one off the line.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United and Ross Barkley of Everton in conversation following The Emirates FA Cup semi final match between Everton and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

He played so well that game, that when EURO 2016 came around, there was discussion as to whether he should start centrally in the midfield for England. His passing range isn’t mentioned much, but it is truly immense. Often overlooked as it was never needed much since he was always so far up the pitch, Rooney can kill a team with one pass, similar to how Pirlo used to play, I truly think he could play this position well.

However, Koeman currently wields one of the most industrial and effect midfields in the Premier League right now, and I’m unsure if Rooney would be able to meet the demands required of joining our hard working deep mids.

However he is still mobile, Koeman sometimes opts for Barry, and though he isn’t fast and doesn’t press as hard or as frequent as the others, he still covers a lot of ground. Rooney could do a more offensive style of what Barry does, though he won’t have Barry’s defensive awareness, he does have the killer instinct.

I’d really like to see him as a second striker for Everton, his main duties being to supply the main striker or target man, and score goals himself. With additional duties of dropping deeper should it be necessary, and contribute to build up play with either intricate passing, or splitting the field with long through balls.

Up the Ev.

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