Rooney explains Ancelotti's brilliant Everton transformation

Wayne Rooney credited Carlo Ancelotti for Everton’s transformation into a formidable force and explained how the Italian pulled it off.

When Ancelotti replaced Marco Silva on December 22, 2019, Everton were 15th in the Premier League and four points above the relegation zone.

308 days later, however, the Toffees are flying high as leaders of the English top-flight in the 2020/21 campaign. They’ve collected 13 points from five games and remain unbeaten at this stage. Their impressive form has even sparked talk of a top-four finish.

But while it’s perhaps a tad early to speculate on that one, Everton proved they can mix it with the big boys by beating Tottenham in London and drawing 2-2 with reigning champions Liverpool in last weekend’s Merseyside derby.

Now Rooney, who scored 28 goals in 117 appearances for the Blues in two separate spells, has highlighted Ancelotti’s ability to extract the maximum from his squad as key to their impressive rise.

“The transformation comes from the manager,” the former Everton striker wrote in his column for The Times.

“Everything I thought Carlo Ancelotti could bring to Everton, he has brought. His work has been brilliant.

“If you look at the very best managers, while they might have different systems and styles, the thing they tend to have in common is a clear idea of the team they want.

“Selection is simple and consistent: they have eight or nine players who, if fit, always play.

“Through this, they build confidence and understanding and from a man-management point of view make their own job easier – instead of having to keep a squad of 20 engaged and happy, they only have to worry about the ten or so who aren’t getting the game time.”

Everton will face Southampton away in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon at 15:00 (CET).