Rooney praises ‘excellent’ Dewsbury-Hall as Everton beat Man United | OneFootball

Everton beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Premier League last night courtesy of a long-range strike by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Several Everton players deserved praise for their terrific shifts, but former England attacker Wayne Rooney singled out Dewsbury-Hall for praise.

Rooney said (via the Premier League website): “I think he’s been excellent for Everton this season, his energy, his creativity as well.

“It’s a good pass from James Garner, but then that willingness to drive at defenders and get them to make decisions. He gets the shot off, and it’s a really good finish.

“He deserves it because his overall game has been excellent.”

Dewsbury-Hall completed two out of three dribbles, won two fouls, and came out on top in six of his ground duels. Teammate Thierno Barry was impressed by his quality.

After playing a role in helping Chelsea clinch the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup last term, he signed for Everton.

He has bagged two goals and two assists in league appearances and has proven to be key to David Moyes’ midfield set-up.

If he keeps delivering at this level, an England call-up could be on the cards.

Midfielders who combine craft, intensity, and end product don’t go unnoticed for long, and Dewsbury-Hall is showing those qualities consistently in a team built to maximise his strengths.

What will interest Thomas Tuchel even more is his growing maturity.

He is showing better timing in his runs, impressive ability to dictate phases of play, and the confidence to seize big moments.

Sustain this form through the second half of the campaign, and the conversation inevitably changes.

The 27-year-old won’t just be an in-form Premier League midfielder. He’ll be a genuine contender for a seat on the plane to the 2026 World Cup.

For a player who backed himself by leaving a comfort zone in search of opportunities, it would be the ultimate vindication.