OPINION
Wayne Rooney is likely to be given his second Premier League home debut for Everton this weekend and he will be expected to produce the goods.
The Toffees welcome Stoke City to Goodison Park this Saturday afternoon in the opening match of the new season and all eyes will be on the 31-year-old.
Rooney decided to leave Manchester United and return to Merseyside in order to experience more first-team action this season and he will need to hit the ground running on the first day.
The forward failed to inspire confidence amongst the Everton faithful in the Europa League qualifying match at Goodison Park against Ruzemberok last month but that was to be expected as he was not fully up to speed.
However, Rooney cannot afford a slow start this weekend as Everton will surely go into the match as favourites following the arrivals of himself, Sandro Ramirez, Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane this summer.
If the forward fails to put on an impressive display this weekend, he could see his fairytale move turn sour and there could potentially be calls to drop him from the starting lineup on day one.
Rooney enjoyed a fine start to the league campaign last season when he scored in United’s opening match against Bournemouth and he will be expected to the same against a Stoke side who are normally renowned for starting the season in a slow manner.
The Englishman started in the opening five matches for United last season but a dismal display away at Watford in September cost him a regular place in the starting line up and he was never given the chance to rediscover his form.
A convincing start would not only help his chances of remaining a starter for his club, but he might also attract the attention of England boss Gareth Southgate who will be scouting players for the national side’s World Cup qualifier against Malta next month.
Rooney has a fine record against Stoke, scoring five times against them in 12 appearances including his sensational equaliser last season which enabled him to become United’s all-time leading goalscorer.
A sixth goal against Mark Hughes’ men on Saturday would help settle any doubts that Rooney can still perform on the Premier League stage.