Wayne Rooney has MOTD in hysterics after Beto moment in Everton loss vs Liverpool: ‘I don’t know what to say’
Wayne Rooney was quick to praise the performance of Everton striker Beto after he scored in their 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
The Toffees fell behind through Mohamed Salah in the 29th minute, but the Guinea-Bissau international drew them level when he slid to turn home Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross in the second half.
That goal looked set to earn David Moyes’ side a well-earned point in the first Merseyside derby clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Everton hearts were broken in the 10th minute of stoppage time, when Virgil van Dijk climbed highest to nod home from a corner.
The Dutchman’s header put a serious dent in the Toffees’ hopes of qualifying for European football at the end of the season, while also ensuring that the Reds retained their firm grip on the fifth Champions League spot.
Everton’s latest defeat showed plenty of positive signs despite the frustrating outcome against their rivals, but Beto still managed to produce a moment that left Rooney in disbelief.
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VISIT THE EVERTON MATCH HUBWayne Rooney in disbelief over Beto effort
Beto has faced his fair share of criticism at Everton once again this season, but he is in hot form at the moment as we head into the final weeks of the season.
The 28-year-old’s equaliser took his Premier League goal tally for the season to seven, with four of those strikes coming in his last three games.
| Stats | Beto Total |
| Accurate Passes | 7/11 (64%) |
| xG | 0.47 |
| Shots on Target | 2 |
| Chances Created | 1 |
| Big Chances Missed | 1 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 4/9 (44%) |
His goals have helped to fire Everton into genuine European contention, and he almost earned them another valuable point with his strike on Sunday.
However, despite the frontman’s recent explosion in front of goal, there was still a moment where his finishing let him down, as he raced clear in the first half only to skew his strike well wide of Giorgi Mamardashvili’s goal.
Beto’s sidefoot effort almost reached the corner flag, and Rooney could hardly believe what he had seen during his analysis of the game for Match of the Day.
“Of late, we’re seeing a better version of him (Beto), we’re starting to see a bit more quality from him,” the former Everton man said.
“He caused Liverpool problems all day, I don’t really know what to say (to this one), I’m bigging him up here.”
Rooney’s reaction to the footage of Beto’s miss left Danny Murphy and presenter Mark Chapman in hysterics, but they were all in agreement over the threat that he carried during the game.
Everton ready loan-to-buy deal to replace Beto
Football Insider revealed on Saturday that Everton are eyeing a new striker on a loan-to-buy deal, as Moyes goes in search of additions to strengthen his squad this summer.
The position is a top priority for the recruitment chiefs at the Hill Dickinson, alongside the addition of a new centre-midfielder to bolster the spine of the team.
Beto has provided valuable work rate over the course of his time at the club, but his lack of quality in front of goal has often been found wanting, and the Toffees need someone more clinical if they are to progress to the next level.
Thierno Barry has also failed to have the desired impact since he joined from Villarreal last summer, and it is clear that further work is needed in that position.
Moyes is keen to help the team kick on next term, and a key part of that is set to be the arrival of a new striker.
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