Forget Rooney – This technically gifted 21-year-old Championship star is the ideal choice to replace the English veteran

According to reports, new Everton boss Marco Silva doesn’t wish to include Wayne Rooney in his future plans and wants Norwich City’s James Maddison to replace him.

Rooney’s second stint at Everton is expected to come to an end hardly a year after he rejoined his boyhood club from Manchester United. The forward managed to score 11 Premier League goals this past season as the Toffees finished in the 8th spot.

However, Rooney’s form dipped massively in the second half of the season as he failed to find the back of the net. Now, Rooney is reportedly set to leave Goodison Park for DC United.

To replace Rooney at Everton, Silva has turned to Norwich starlet James Maddison. A product of the Coventry academy, Maddison signed for Norwich in 2016 and has gone on to become one of the most sought-after midfield prospects in the Championship.

Maddison, 21, flourished in his first full campaign for the Canaries last season, scoring 15 goals and supplying 8 assists. A skilful midfielder, Maddison is a young attacker with tremendous potential and natural abilities.

Everton’s need for an attacking midfielder is paramount after an underwhelming campaign under Sam Allardyce.

At 32 years of age, Rooney’s best days are behind him. Also, the player simply lacks the pace and intensity with which he once competed and ran riot in the Premier League. Hence, it is ideal for Silva to target Maddison as he has all the ingredients required to thrive in the No.10 role.

Maddison could create chances and score for fun alongside Cenk Tosun and Theo Walcott at Everton. He is a technically gifted footballer, who is capable of taking on players or carving open a defence with one through ball. The 21-year-old has exceptional passing skills, crossing abilities and is capable of scoring goals from anywhere on the pitch.

The England U21 international is extremely creative, making the No.10 role the best position for him. While Maddison does possess the discipline required to play in the central midfield area, he often fails to influence games from a deeper role.

It is clear that the Toffees need a younger and dynamic attacking midfielder to help Tosun and co. next season. Maddison would be tailor-made for that role as he will bring in energy and pace to help Everton tick.

Marco Silva, who is known for playing an exciting brand of football, can benefit massively from having Maddison in his ranks. Thus, investing in the talented player could be the best move for Everton this summer.