Boxer and Everton fan Tony Bellew has raved about Wayne Rooney after his stunning performance in the win over West Ham.
The Toffees recorded a convincing 4-0 victory over the Hammers on Wednesday night in the Premier League during David Unsworth’s last game in charge as caretaker boss, with Sam Allardyce watching on from the sidelines.
Rooney was the star of the show as he scored his first Everton hat-trick, which was completed by a brilliant effort from inside his own half.
The 32-year-old has now scored eight times in 20 appearances since his return to Goodison Park this season, but has not been an ever-present in the starting XI.
He was deployed in a central midfield role on Wednesday and Allardyce will be left with the decision over where to play him.
Bellew went wild about Rooney’s ability on social media after his dazzling display and has stated that he must play every game.
“That’s why he ALWAYS has to play! Wayne Rooney is one of the most gifted footballers this country has ever seen. The lad is simply a footballing genius,” Bellew wrote on his personal Twitter account.
That’s why he ALWAYS has to play! Wayne Rooney is one of the most gifted footballers this country has ever seen! They lad is simply a footballing genius! #COYB ?
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) November 29, 2017
OPINION
Rooney marked his returned to the side with a fabulous performance and proved why he must be the first name on the team sheet. The former England international may have wrapped up the goal of the season award with his stunning effort, but it wasn’t just his goals that made him so crucial in the match. His tireless running and composure on the ball set him apart from every other player on the pitch, proving that he can still boss games in the Premier League. Rooney’s character is exactly what is needed to help drag the Merseyside club up the table and his constant omission from the side this campaign has been staggering.