It might not quite sound as a fairytale now but Wayne Rooney has switched his allegiance to Everton, the club from where he started his footballing journey. Sir Alex Ferguson had brought the 18-year-old teenager to the Old Trafford in 2004 and the rest, as they say, is history.
The 31-year-old lived a dream at the Old Trafford for the next 13 years as he ruled Manchester. Football is a very emotional game but sometimes that emotion has to be set aside for something, logic and demands of the situation.
Rooney’s form has fallen in the last couple of seasons. Louis Van Gaal had a last-gasp attempt to revive his career by deploying him in the midfield but the move failed miserably as the 31-year-old heavily struggled in the middle of the pitch.
In his 13 year tenure, the English international has won almost all the available trophies in the World including the Premier League five times. Rooney knew that the arrival of Jose Mourinho would give him a tough time as the gaffer has a strict work regime for all the players.
Let us take a look at how Everton might line up with their plethora of new signings including Rooney, who has been unveiled by the Merseyside club.
Everton Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Defence
The arrival of Jordan Pickford might have all the answers to Everton’s goalkeeping problems. Ronald Koeman had to alter between Joel Robles and Maarten Stekelenburg but Pickford is likely to be the undisputed first choice in between the sticks.
The arrival of Michael Keane has given the Toffees a much-needed depth in the defence. He will pair up with experienced Ashley Williams in the heart of the defence to keep the opposition attackers at bay.
For the last few years, no player has been able to replace Leighton Baines at left back and the 32-year-old is likely to start the season as the preferred choice again.
The injury to Seamus Coleman will make the way for Mason Holgate who performed pretty decently last season.
Midfield
There have been no doubts over Morgan Schneiderlin’s quality and he will take up the field to shield the defence by creating an extra barrier in front of the backline. He is set to have the help of tireless midfielder Idrissa Gueye who has had an excellent outing last year and is set to be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup next season.
Attack
The arrival of Davy Klaassen will allow Koeman to tweak his starting lineup. Klaassen will be handed a start in the no. 10 role.
Newly signed Sandro Ramirez will be stationed on the left wing.
Kevin Mirallas is likely to get the last chance to prove his calibre under Koeman. He will start on the right wing.
Wayne Rooney is likely to take the centre forward position.
