Everton rarely get a win over their bitter rivals Liverpool, but this time they could be laughing at them.
With the international break now in motion, Everton have the time to rest and repair for their Premier League return.
A strong start gives them the momentum going into a home encounter versus out-of-form Aston Villa, but then the Merseyside Derby will await the Toffees.
Virgil van Dijk says it’s Everton’s ‘cup final’, but the Red side might find their next meeting much more challenging.
One player could feature in the eagerly anticipated occasion, who Liverpool were looking to sign before the Blues got their first.
Liverpool scouts ‘watched’ Merlin Rohl last season before Everton move
It’s always a good feeling for an Evertonian when the club beats off their rivals to a player, and Merlin Rohl seemed like someone Arne Slot really wanted.
In September 2024, Christian Falk from BILD reported that the Reds added the German onto their list and ‘scouts watched’ the now 23-year-old.
The fact that Rohl is now an Everton player speaks volumes to his talents if Slot was looking into his services.
Rohl is a ‘natural footballer’ and a versatile player, who will be a handy tool for David Moyes to use this season.
It’s safe to say that if the German turns out to be a success, Everton will get one over their rivals, and Rohl has the capability to give the Toffees a smug feeling.
Everton have a ‘midfield wizard’ in Rohl to Liverpool’s dismay
Moyes seemed to take a liking to the midfielder throughout the summer, and Rohl looks very happy to be on the right side of Merseyside.
In his opening interview, he showed admiration for the Evertonians, and fans were very impressed with Rohl’s manner.
Now is his time to show his quality on the football pitch, as after being described as a ‘midfield wizard’ by the Bundesliga, his potential looks encouraging.
The all-action star in the middle of the park gives Everton both an attacking and defensive option, and although he didn’t play much for Freiburg last season due to injury, the signs could be seen.
| Games played | 19 |
| Duels won per 90 | 5.68 |
| Fouls won per 90 | 1.77 |
| Aerial duels won | 17 |
| Tackles won % | 62.5% |
With the derby now over two weeks away, Rohl can show exactly why Liverpool were right to scout him and why Everton could flourish from his success.
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