Wednesday 12 July 2017 14:44, UK
Wayne Rooney's "football savvy" can help develop Everton's younger players, Don Hutchison has told Sky Sports News HQ.
Rooney's return to his boyhood club was confirmed at the weekend, 13 years after he left Goodison Park for Manchester United.
And his free transfer represents good business for the Toffees according to the club's former midfielder Hutchison, even if last season saw the 31-year-old lose his place for United and England.
"I think he wasn't in a good headspace last year," said Hutchison, who spent two-and-a-half seasons at Everton. "Now he's gone back to Everton he's going to get love from the fans, he's going to get game time.
"I think it's a good move from Everton. I don't think he's an out-and-out striker that's going to get 20-plus goals a season [anymore], but in terms of having a football brain and link-up play, getting hold of the ball and linking with young players...
"I had it later on and I was nowhere near Wayne Rooney's standard. but you get a little bit more football savvy in terms of where you should be on the pitch, your first touch - all of that. He'll use his experience."
Rooney is one of several players signed by Ronald Koeman since the end of last season as Everton aim to challenge the top six.
Among the new arrivals are Dutch midfielder Davy Klaassen and Jordan Pickford, now the club's record signing and England's most expensive goalkeeper at a fee which could reach £30m.
Hutchison said: "Davy Klaassen I've seen a lot of at Ajax - he's a good player. Jordan Pickford's a young player who's cost £30m, fans are going to be asking is it a good signing.
"It's a lot of money, but he could be there for the next 10 years so it could be an absolute bargain."
