Everton Thought They Had Their Own Steven Gerrard; He Soon Became Despised by Football Fans

GiveMeSport reflects on Jack Rodwell's career trajectory, noting how the former Everton midfielder once drew comparisons to Steven Gerrard before falling out of favor with supporters later in his career. Rodwell became Everton's youngest European debutant at age 16 under manager David Moyes in 2007, later earning an England debut and sealing a £12m transfer to Manchester City in 2012 that could rise to £15m.

Following an injury-hit spell at Manchester City where he made only 25 appearances, Rodwell joined Sunderland for 76 appearances. The article details how his reputation suffered on Wearside after he stayed on a lucrative contract during consecutive relegations, refused a contract termination request, and was heavily scrutinized during Netflix's 'Sunderland 'Til I Die' documentary series.