Merlin Rohl’s rohl everton breakout against Manchester City ended a near four-month absence from Everton’s starting XI. He has since been used on the wing again, but David Moyes is still working out where the 23-year-old fits best.
Rohl Everton against Manchester City
Rohl seized the imagination of Everton supporters with that display. He started on the right wing against Manchester City, a spot away from the central midfield role he plays by trade.
That outing also mattered because it came after a long spell away from the starting XI. Rohl had not started for nearly four months before getting that chance back in the side.
Moyes on Baines and pace
Moyes says the midfielder has settled through his communication and his link with Leighton Baines. “Well, the biggest thing I can say about Merlin is he's willing to speak - he's very communicative. He's actually also got a great relationship with Bainsey and he's done a great job with him,” Moyes said. Rohl and Baines recently watched Everton Women together at Goodison Park.
The Everton boss also pointed to pace and physicality as reasons the club brought him in. “There have been days in training when we have registered the players’ top speeds and what speeds they can get to, and Merlin is right up there with the top ones. Jarrad Branthwaite is very quick, but Merlin is right up there as well,” Moyes said. He added, “He is so powerful.”
Crystal Palace and next season
On Sunday, Rohl was back on the wing against Crystal Palace, where he allowed Tyrick Mitchell the space to cross for the second equaliser. That episode underlined the trade-off Everton are dealing with: his physical tools stand out, but the club still wants a clearer answer on where those tools are most useful.
“We are generally still trying to find the best [position for him],” Moyes said. “He is a good player as well and he can score.” Rohl’s loan from Freiburg will be made permanent this summer, and Moyes said, “I'm hoping that we can find a way of getting him more football and getting him a chance, next season especially.”
