Wayne Rooney covered the most distance for Everton in the draw with Manchester City... so has the forward really suffered a burnout?

  • Wayne Rooney covered 6.6 miles for Everton in the draw with Manchester City
  • Closest to Rooney's tally was Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is 11 years his junior
  • The forward also netted his 200th Premier League goal in the process
  • Rooney has now scored in both Premier League games since his return 

Wayne Rooney's move back to his boyhood club Everton presented him with the prospect of reviving a career which was stalling at Manchester United.

If there were any murmurings that the move was not a good one for Everton, however, they centred around the fact that the striker had lost his legs or suffered a burnout.

During his glittering time at Old Trafford, Rooney rampaging up and down the field — haring after the ball at one end and bursting into the box at the other — became a trademark.

Wayne Rooney covered the most ground for Everton in the draw against Manchester City

Wayne Rooney covered the most ground for Everton in the draw against Manchester City

Rooney covered 6.6 miles at the Etihad Stadium, more than any other of his team-mates

Rooney covered 6.6 miles at the Etihad Stadium, more than any other of his team-mates

His desire to scramble in defence and burst forward in attack was evident at the Etihad

His desire to scramble in defence and burst forward in attack was evident at the Etihad

And Monday night's display showed the insatiable appetite and hunger is still there, going some way to disprove the naysayers.


Rooney covered 6.6 miles (10.7 kilometres) at the Etihad Stadium, the most out of any of his team-mates. His nearest competitor was fellow forward Dominc Calvert-Lewin, 11 years his junior, with 6.4 miles.

TOP 10: DISTANCE COVERED IN A GAME THIS SEASON

  1. Pascal Gross (Brighton) 8.0
  2. Abdoulaye Doucoure (Watford) 7.8
  3. Joe Allen (Stoke) 7.8
  4. Andrew Surman (Bournemouth) 7.7
  5. James Milner (Liverpool) 7.7
  6. Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield) 7.6
  7. Granit Xhaka (Arsenal) 7.6
  8. Mikel Merino (Newcastle) 7.6
  9. Jack Cork (Swansea) 7.5
  10. Hector Bellerin (Arsenal) 7.5      

 (All distance in miles)    

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Although it doesn't come close to the top 10 covered from all Premier League players in a game this season, it is proof he is eager to lead by example at Goodison Park. 

He netted the opening goal to boot, side-footing home just after the half-hour mark before sprinting to the crowd, cupping his ears and lapping up the adoration from the travelling toffees. 

It was his 200th Premier League goal and his second in as many games since his switch back to Merseyside. 

The light that was in danger of flickering out in Manchester could well be re-lit, with Rooney's desire to chase down the opposition and ghost into the box evident during Everton's first two outings this season.

Rooney has scored twice in as many Premier League games for Everton, so far this season

Rooney has scored twice in as many games, proving his ability to burst forward is still there 

Although it is not among the top distances covered this season, it is proof of his desire to lead

Although it is not among the top distances covered this season, it is proof of his desire to lead