Credit: Imago and Match of the Day

Max Wilkins

Mon 20 April 2026 7:40, UK

Everton may have lost to Liverpool, but Wayne Rooney has still shown his appreciation for Beto.

The Toffees thought they had earned a point in the Merseyside derby as they went into the 100th minute with the scoreline level.

It just wasn’t to be for David Moyes’ side as Virgil van Dijk’s header breached Jordan Pickford and sealed a 2-1 win and three points for the Reds.

That shouldn’t take away from a largely positive performance from the hosts at a loud and proud Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Beto is one who can hold his head high against Liverpool after leaving Rooney impressed despite the eventual defeat in L3.

Wayne Rooney heaps praise on Beto vs Liverpool

The Guinea-Bissau international has been much-improved in recent weeks and has certainly cemented his place in the starting XI for the Blues.

That has certainly been deserved with his goal output slowly ticking upwards, moving deeper into the Premier League run-in.

He continued that against Liverpool as he grabbed the second-half equaliser with a poacher’s finish past Giorgi Mamardashvili.

That capped off a positive performance on Merseyside in a showing that wasn’t lost on Rooney while speaking on Match of the Day.

He said: “He’s had quite a bit of stick since he’s been at Everton, but of late, we’ve seen a better version of him. He always gives you energy and works hard, but we’re starting to see more quality. This is a really good run across the defender, a really good header and a great save from the keeper.

“He caused Liverpool problems all day. This [his goal] is brilliant. It’s poor defending from Liverpool, but it’s his anticipation, willingness, and drive to get into the penalty box and score.”

Everton may have lost to Liverpool, but there are clear plus points to take, especially with the striker continuing to perform.

Beto can help Everton to European qualification glory

The 28-year-old has rightly picked up some negative reviews over the years, but has certainly turned things around in recent weeks.

He is just one goal involvement away from matching his best tally for a season on Merseyside with time to spare.

Beto will be keen to do exactly that, and it is entirely possible with five Premier League outings remaining for the Toffees.

If he can keep up that level of form, there is every chance that the Blues will find themselves battling with Chelsea and Brentford to seal a place in Europe for next season.

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