Despite a frustrating afternoon for Everton against Aston Villa, Merlin Rohl made his debut, and the fanbase have come to a verdict.
The German midfielder, who signed for Everton on deadline day, got his first minutes in the 0-0 draw with Villa.
After joining on loan, not much is known about the 23-year-old, but David Moyes has been impressed with Rohl in training.
It’s expected that the six-foot-three man in the middle of the park is a versatile option that can both attack and defend.
Well, Evertonians got their first glimpse of Rohl, and it’s safe to say it’s left them all agreeing on something.
Everton fans left impressed after Merlin Rohl cameo vs Aston Villa
During the stalemate at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the ball just couldn’t find the back of the net, despite the dominance of the Blues
Rohl came on to try and change this in the 25 minutes he was given by Moyes, as although he didn’t find the goalscoring impact, fans were left impressed on X.
One supporter claimed that the Toffees have found their “new Fellaini” with his presence on the pitch, as another added he was a “big fan” of Rohl already.
An Everton fan also said he was “a real footballer” who had “genuine quality,” as another made the point that the German showed more than Tim Iroegbunam, which “impressed” him.
The midfielder made the right impact, as a fan continued Rohl’s praise, saying: “Solid performance, big and powerful with some very neat touches – very impressed,” with another pleased with his “tricks” in the 25 minutes.
Rohl has made an ‘immediate impact’ and that was shown in his debut, but it’s clear what he will excel in most this campaign.
Merlin Rohl showed his duel-winning expertise from Everton debut
The all-action star is already proving his worth, and with everyone around the club impressed, there is a high chance of a first start in the Merseyside Derby.
Whether Moyes will throw him into this deep end is another question, but it looks like he’s got the right credentials, as Rohl wasn’t afraid to get stuck in.
| Statistic | Rank |
| Tackles won % | 2/2 (100%) |
| Ground duels won | 3/6 |
| Aerial duels won % | 100% |
| Recoveries | 1 |
Even though he also has the attacking side to his game, it’s clear that winning duels will be his bread and butter.
It’s been claimed that Rohl is a ‘natural footballer’, and the beauty of this is that he can do all sides of his game well, as the German’s fighting spirit might be needed at Anfield on Saturday.
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