David Moyes and Wayne Rooney(Image: JMEnternational/Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney believes David Moyes is improving Everton by delivering a simplified message to their players.

The Blues were just one point above the drop zone having taken 17 points in the first half of the final season at Goodison Park under Sean Dyche – less than 50% of their tally in 2022/23, which was the lowest equivalent total in their history as they avoided what would have been a first relegation in 72 years by a single Abdoulaye Doucoure goal on the final day – when the Glaswegian gaffer returned. However, having got them safe with five matches to spare, this term Moyes has got the team in contention for a European qualification place.

Although the 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on Tuesday was seen as a big missed opportunity to kick on, despite their current six-game winless streak at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton have triumphed in 11 of their 22 away matches under the 62-year-old, who has steered them to eighth in the table, having delivered nine top-eight finishes, including a highest ever Premier League placing of fourth in 2004/05, during his first spell...