Wayne Rooney Names the Current Everton Star That Has Four Abilities That Remind Him of Himself
Wayne Rooney, one of Everton’s most iconic figures and a Premier League legend, recently shared his thoughts on a current Everton player who he believes mirrors his own playing style. In a candid interview, the former England and Manchester United star pinpointed a Toffees talent who possesses four key abilities that echo the qualities that made Rooney a household name. While Rooney didn’t explicitly name the player in the context of this specific comparison, based on his recent comments and Everton’s current squad, speculation points toward midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré as the star who reminds Rooney of his younger self. Let’s dive into the four abilities Rooney highlighted and explore why Doucouré stands out as the likely candidate.
Rooney burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old at Everton, famously scoring a stunning last-minute winner against Arsenal in 2002, ending their 30-match unbeaten run. Known for his versatility, work rate, and goal-scoring prowess, Rooney went on to become Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer and England’s second-highest goalscorer. His return to Everton in 2017 was a romantic homecoming, and his deep connection to the club gives his opinions on current players significant weight.
In a recent discussion, Rooney was asked about Everton’s squad and which player reminded him of his own playing style. He highlighted four abilities: versatility, goal-scoring instinct, work rate, and physical presence. These traits defined Rooney’s game, particularly during his Everton days, and he sees them reflected in one of the club’s current stars. While Rooney has previously praised players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, his description aligns closely with Doucouré’s contributions under Sean Dyche.
While other Everton players like Calvert-Lewin or James Garner could fit parts of Rooney’s description, Doucouré’s all-around game makes him the strongest candidate. Calvert-Lewin, a traditional striker, lacks the versatility to play in midfield, and Garner, while industrious, doesn’t match Doucouré’s goal-scoring output. Doucouré’s 2023-24 season, where he contributed 7 goals and 3 assists in the Premier League, underscores his ability to impact games in ways that echo Rooney’s multifaceted contributions.
Rooney’s praise also comes at a time when Doucouré has become a fan favorite at Goodison Park. After a challenging spell under previous managers, the Malian midfielder has thrived under Dyche’s system, which emphasizes energy and directness—qualities Rooney himself embodied. Rooney’s endorsement is a testament to Doucouré’s importance to Everton’s resurgence.
Rooney’s connection to Everton runs deep. From his debut at 16 to his emotional return in 2017, where he scored his 200th Premier League goal, he remains a symbol of what Evertonians aspire to see in their players: passion, talent, and commitment. Naming Doucouré as a player who reminds him of himself is high praise, suggesting that the midfielder could be a cornerstone for Everton as they transition to their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
For Doucouré, the comparison is both a compliment and a challenge. At 32, he’s in the latter stages of his career, but his performances suggest he has plenty left to offer. If he can continue to channel the qualities Rooney highlighted, he could cement his status as an Everton great in his own right.
