Wayne Rooney, the legendary English footballer, has never been one to shy away from sharing his opinions on the beautiful game. Recently, he was asked to name the most underrated player in Everton’s history, and without hesitation, he gave his answer.
For Rooney, the most underrated player in Everton’s history is none other than Leighton Baines. The former England left-back spent 10 years at Goodison Park, making over 400 appearances for the Toffees.
Rooney, who played alongside Baines for both Everton and England, is convinced that the left-back’s contributions to the team were often overlooked. “Leighton Baines is the most underrated player in Everton’s history,” Rooney said in a recent interview. “He was an incredible player, and I think he’s often forgotten when people talk about the great Everton teams.”
Rooney’s praise for Baines is not surprising, given the left-back’s impressive career statistics. During his time at Everton, Baines scored 38 goals and provided 67 assists, making him one of the most prolific left-backs in Premier League history.
Despite his impressive numbers, Baines often flew under the radar, with many of his performances going unnoticed by the wider football community. However, Rooney is adamant that Baines was a key player for Everton during his time at the club.
“Leighton was an unbelievable player,” Rooney said. “He had everything: pace, skill, and a fantastic delivery from set pieces. He was a nightmare to play against, and I think he’s often underrated when people talk about the great left-backs in Premier League history.”
Rooney’s comments are a testament to Baines’ enduring legacy at Everton. Despite retiring from professional football in 2020, Baines remains a beloved figure among Everton fans, and his contributions to the team are still widely appreciated today.
