Jack Rodwell made a real name for himself at Everton before prematurely moving to Manchester City in a £12m deal at the age of 21.
The man born in Southport looked set to be the future of Everton‘s midfield, showing real power and bravery in possession in several areas as his driving runs upfield caught the eye.
Rodwell played in defensive midfield, central midfield and even on the right wing at times, memorably bursting through Manchester United down that flank to score in a 3-1 win back in February 2010.
Unfortunately, his career fizzled out at Manchester City, but David Moyes may now have a very similar talent to coach at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Merlin Rohl.
Who was your Man of the Match as Everton settle for a point? 🤝
Merlin Rohl can be the Jack Rodwell-type midfielder Everton fans never got to see blossom at Goodison Park
The German may have only been making his third Premier League start of the season in the 3-3 draw against Manchester City on Monday, but it looked like he’d been a regular in the side.
Rohl, who almost won a penalty, showed great athleticism and speed down the right flank, a position Everton fans were surprised to see him in, although the 23-year-old has previously played 23 games in that position before moving to Merseyside.
Similarly to Rodwell against Manchester United, the Germany U21 international showed real power to drive down the right flank and assist Thierno Barry for the third goal, which had Everton leading 3-1 and in dreamland at that point.
Again, like Rodwell could, Rohl can also play anywhere in midfield, impressing in a deeper role in a 1-0 win at Villa Park earlier this season, while he can even play as an attacking midfielder or striker.
Another penalty decision not going in Everton’s favour? 🫣
Bernardo Silva wasn't even looking at the ball 🤷♂️
His immense versatility and physical skills should have Moyes feeling very excited – the former Freiburg star is a real project for the Glaswegian to work on, and may even have more potential than Rodwell.
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