13 years later, how can Wayne Rooney have an impact at Everton in his second spell?

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He is the footballer that left Everton just a boy, ready to take the footballing stage by storm, and returned thirteen-years later a club and international record breaker. Wayne Rooney is a name that will be remembered by many generations, the local lad from Everton that set the turf alight at just sixteen years-old with that wonder goal against Arsenal in the last minute.

Back in 2004, Rooney became the most expensive player under 20 years of age, and he would go on to fully justify that price tag. A hat-trick against Fenerbache in the Champions League on his debut was not a bad way to announce himself to the passionate Old Trafford faithful. What Rooney went on to achieve from then, until his final game for Manchester United in the Europa League final, is history.

With the 2017/18 Premier League season nearing with every passing day, Rooney’s return to the Goodison Park pitch will be eagerly anticipated by everyone connected with football. Rooney’s return has sparked a number of heartfelt goodbyes from his footballing peers, a player and man greatly respected and admired in the footballing world.

Now, the boy that left with his career only just igniting, returns a man with a whole host of experience and accolades to his name. The England record-breaker has had question marks thrown over his head as to whether he can still cut it in the Premier League, and his impact second time round at Everton will be interesting to see.

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One thing you can guarantee is that Rooney’s arrival will be a welcomed one in the The Toffees dressing room, especially with Everton’s increasingly young squad. Players like Ademola Lookman, Tom Davies, Jordan Pickford, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will only benefit from having a player like Wayne Rooney in the dressing room before big games.

His experience and knowledge will spread around the dressing room and settle nerves and build confidence in younger players, who will be in the stage of their career Rooney once was.

One player who will benefit hugely from his arrival is Ross Barkley, a player who has been given stick at times for his performances and lack of discipline. The talent in the boots of Barkley is undeniable, and in some ways he resembles Rooney – the latter a player who has always been able to play in an attacking midfield role.

The 31-year-old still has talent, and without a doubt it will be a special moment when he hits the back of the net in that famous blue Everton strip again. However, in terms of what he will bring to the table, this transfer is perhaps more about how he can help, guide and inspire the rest of the players, as opposed to clinching a top-four spot for the club all on his own.

The Evertonians will not be expecting a 20-goal season from Rooney, those days are gone it would seem. Despite that, there are still far more pros than cons when it comes to this signing.

With the departure of Romelu Lukaku to Rooney’s former club Manchester United, Ronald Koeman has not held back with his own transfers –  Rooney being his sixth of the summer. He further improves an ever-growing squad, and it could be argued that this is the perfect move for the veteran scouser.

He is still of an age and performance-level that will not diminish the early memories Everton fans hold of him. The expectation at Everton is high, but not as high as at Manchester United.

Rooney will have slightly less pressure on his shoulders, which will allow him to play with confidence and freedom knowing he will have the tremendous backing of the Goodison Park faithful behind him every time he steps out on to the football pitch.