The Scout's watchlist of budget forwards to consider in Fantasy Premier League concludes.
Wayne Rooney (Everton) £7.5m
Wayne Rooney’s (£7.5m) transfer to Everton has caught the attention of FPL managers.
The summer signing from Manchester United is already the fourth-most popular forward and sits in 20.9% of squads.
Rooney has wasted no time in justifying that show of faith.
He opened the scoring in Everton’s first pre-season friendly, firing a long-range effort in a 2-1 win over Gor Mahia and also netted in the 1-1 draw with Genk on Saturday
He has been handed a share of free-kicks by manager Ronald Koeman too.
Penalty-kick duties could be a further bonus for Rooney following the departure of Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m) to United.
Watch Rooney's second pre-season goal
Sandro assist 👍
— Everton (@Everton) July 22, 2017
Rooney goal 🙌@WayneRooney puts #EFC ahead! 1-0#EvertonLive: https://t.co/m1rIpwvD9C pic.twitter.com/DOMiSZlVF4
Despite being restricted to 25 appearances last season, the numbers suggest that Rooney still boasts a considerable attacking threat.
Although he trailed Lukaku overall by 52 shots to 110, Rooney’s average of 29.6 minutes per shot was almost identical to the Belgian’s 29.7.
Rooney scored only five goals, but was rarely used as a lone forward by Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho.
He will now look to cement that advanced role as a result of Lukaku’s switch to Old Trafford.
Rooney also fared well for key passes in 2016/17. He created a chance every 43.5 minutes on average, compared with Lukaku’s 69.5 minutes.
Lukaku v Rooney 2016/17
| Lukaku | Rooney | |
|---|---|---|
| Mins per shot | 29.7 | 29.6 |
| Mins per chance created | 69.5 | 45.3 |
| Goal involvement | 50.8% | 40.0% |
A lack of pitch-time has diminished Rooney’s FPL potential over the last two seasons.
But a switch to Everton gives him the chance to reprise the form that produced 130+ points in nine successive seasons from 2006/07 to 2014/15.
FPL managers are poised to embrace Rooney’s revival and exploit his modest £7.5m price tag.
