Ronald Koeman: 'Wayne Rooney still one of best players around'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 24 July 2017

Everton boss Ronald Koeman praises the impact made by Wayne Rooney both on and off the field since arriving from Manchester United earlier this month.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has heaped praise on Wayne Rooney by claiming that the returning striker still remains "one of the best" players in his position.

Rooney was welcomed back to Goodison Park earlier this month after being allowed to leave by Manchester United, where he fell out of favour during the 2016-17 campaign.

The England international has made an instant impact on his second coming on Merseyside, though, finding the net twice in his three pre-season outings to suggest that he still has a big part to play in the Premier League.

Koeman is delighted by what he has seen so far, telling reporters: "He has a lot of experience. He is an important player on the pitch but also important for his teammates and certainly the young players to show them what you need to do to reach that high standard of football.

"That means he needs to be a leader off the pitch and if I see how he's working and what he's doing with all the players it's really what we want. Every day in training so far and in the friendlies, you see why he's one of the best in his position and one of the best players."

Rooney is expected to play a part in Everton's next outing - a Europa League qualifier against Slovakian side Ruzomberok on Thursday evening.