Why Sam Allardyce Is Capable Of Bringing The Best Out Of Wayne Rooney At Everton
Wayne Rooney made a sensational return to his boyhood club over the summer but his performances still lacked something. Ronald Koeman failed to extract the best out of him and so did David Unsworth.
However, Sam Allardyce seems to have created a system that is enabling the veteran player to do exactly what he is renowned for. Unsworth’s decision to withdraw him against Leicester City clearly upset Rooney but then Big Sam displayed a sense of trust in him and it is paying off in dividends right now.
For example, in the game against West Ham United, Rooney, who earns £150,000-a-week was his usual menacing self. Although Allardyce was in the stands, the former Manchester United legend was back in the team and he was deployed in a central midfield position.
To be fair, the player’s age has certainly slowed him down. Where once his blistering pace used to instil fear even in the toughest of opponents, his weary legs are unable to replicate similar pace and power. That said, his influence remains unmatched.
With Rooney in the middle, Tom Davies and Idrissa Gueye provided more than enough pace for him to work his magic. And that he did. He scored a magnificent hat-trick which was reminiscent of his vintage attacking prowess at Manchester United.
Allardyce’s management skills bear fruit in short stint
From that game on, the player has been showing a lot of encouraging signs. In Allardyce’s first game in charge, Rooney essayed the same role but it was arguably one of his best performances of the season so far. He made contributions in the most unexpected ways and won the hearts of everybody watching.
The player may lack mobility and speed but very few can do the things he is capable of. One deft pass of his can split even the toughest of defences apart and Allardyce seems to have recognized that.
Although many people do not regard him as a brilliant man manager, the fact remains that he has a reputation for extracting the best out of veteran players and Everton fans will be happy to see him do the same with Rooney.
That said, it can be a tricky situation to navigate since he will have to ensure Rooney does not get exhausted physically. If he can find the right balance, the player will certainly not disappoint. If Rooney continues to play on a similar level under Allardyce, the former Manchester United man could go on to become a mainstay for the club even at the age of 32.