30 Nov 2017 01:20:55
I have been extremely lucky in my life with regard to some of the greatest players in the world who I have actually been fortunate enough to see play "the beautiful game". I have seen the brilliant silky skills, dribbles and touches of the Great Pele of Brazil, Eusebio of Portugal, Yashin of Russia and Florian Albert, one of the worlds' top strikers. all performing at Goodison in the 1966 World Cup. Over many years of following my beloved Everton I have drooled over some of the greatest players to have ever worn The Royal Blue Jersey. Roy Vernon. Derek Temple. the brilliant Alex Young, Ray Wilson (the best left back I've ever seen) . Then there was Mr Pepetual Motion Alan Ball in that poetic midfield with Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey, the silky skills and elegance of Martin Dobson and Trevor Steven, the wand of a left foot which was Kevin Sheedy, one of the worlds' best ever keepers. Neville Southall. I could wax lyrical all night over some of the gifted players who have been on Everton's books over the years and love Him or loathe Him One stands out for Me purely because of the skill and technique He showed as a raw kid making His debut aged 16. Walter Smith said many years ago that when he took over at Everton He was absolutely amazed everyday in training at Bellefield by this young lad who was scoring goals for fun for all of the junior sides and attempting shots etc which he had no right to be even thinking about doing at that age! Then he made his debut against Arsenal at Goodison and scored that memorable goal past Seaman. that audacious young lad was of course Wayne Rooney, the local lad who went to become one of the greatest players this country has ever produced. at times throughout his career Rooney has been nothing short of genius, maybe not quite in the Messi or Ronaldo mode, but He has been something very special. Unfortunately for Everton we didn't have the finances to be able to keep hold of him and Rooney went on to Captain Man Utd and also His Country. In the twilight of his career Wayne has "come home" and tonight at Goodison Park against West Ham United Wayne Rooney scored an absolutey mindblowing goal from just inside his own half. Rooney over the years has scored some crackers, for Everton (first time round) , for Man Utd and indeed for England. but that goal tonight was technically PERFECT. there aren't many players in the world who would have even attempted that. from that distance, with the control and body shape he showed was incredible and 38000 people should consider themselves very lucky and priveleged to have witnessed such skill from a man using his wealth of experience to get over the top of the ball and keep it down sufficiently enough to get it under the bar. technique, power and precision. oh and just a touch of brilliance. I can honestly say that goal will rank with me as probably the best goal I have ever seen. George Best, Bobby Charlton, Kenny Dalgleish, Thierry henry, Bergkamp, Greaves would all have been delighted to have scored a goal of that nature. What a strike. welcome Home Wayne.

1.) 30 Nov 2017
30 Nov 2017 02:36:25
golden vision - excellent post.

2.) 30 Nov 2017
30 Nov 2017 15:37:53
Fantastic post. not quite old enough to remember some of the players mentioned (my dad would add Bobby Collins to the list! ) But totally agree. when we needed a performance, Wayne, as captain, delivered.3 goals and a captains performance. AND THAT GOAL!