Everton's Bolasie keen to learn from 'world class' Rooney
REUTERS - Everton forward Yannick Bolasie is eager to learn from the Premier League club's new "world class" signing Wayne Rooney and is relishing the extra competition in the side after the club's recent transfer spree, the 28-year-old has said.
Former England captain Rooney, who is the record scorer for the national team, returned to Everton after 13 years with Manchester United and was manager Ronald Koeman's sixth signing in the current transfer window.
Winger Bolasie played just 15 matches for Everton last season after sustaining a knee injury in December and will miss the start of the next campaign but is keen to return to action and learn from the experienced England forward.
"There are some top quality players that have come in, especially Rooney, who is world class. He will bring a leader's mentality and it will be good to learn off him," Democratic Republic of Congo international Bolasie said.
"The signings we have made have definitely made the team stronger. The competition for places is going to be strong, but that is what I live for and I am looking forward to fighting for my place. It will bring another level to my game."
Everton are in Tanzania on a pre-season tour with a friendly against Gor Mahia FC scheduled for later on Thursday.
(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)