Everton had several players out of contract in the summer transfer window.
David Moyes had a big job on his hands as he had to rebuild the squad following a number of high-profile exits.
Everton saw the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala leave, so the midfield was in need of a major overhaul.
Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja also left, with £30m signing Thierno Barry replacing them.
Speaking on Match of the Day last night, Wayne Rooney spoke glowingly about one of the aforementioned former Toffees players.
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Wayne Rooney wowed by former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin joined newly-promoted Leeds United in the summer upon the expiry of his Everton contract.
The 28-year-old frontman made his sixth appearance for Leeds against Tottenham Hotspur yesterday, and Rooney was really impressed by his performance.
“I like this Calvert-Lewin, always occupying the backline… the first pass doesn’t come when maybe it should have but he carries on, he continues to be a threat in the box,” Rooney explained.
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“And then this is what we know Calvert-Lewin can do, he’s good in the air, he’s a presence, and then a real good chance and an excellent save.
“I think we all know Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a very good player, the biggest issue is just keeping him fit.
“He’s started his career at Leeds well, he’s getting chances and if he stays fit he’s a handful for any defender.”
Leeds manager Daniel Farke critical of Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Speaking post-match, Leeds boss Daniel Farke was quite critical of Calvert-Lewin as he missed a couple of chances in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
“He has scored goals since he started playing. He doesn’t have to overdo it,” Farke said.
“He came into two good shooting positions and probably should have scored in the first half. He has to work on like this.
“If you just concentrate on scoring goals, it will never work.”
Everton fans know too well about Calvert-Lewin’s profligate nature, so clearly that is still an area of his game that needs development.